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• Zurich Airport is struggling with a massive flood of parcels from China that is delaying handling.
• Swiss retailers are calling for stricter rules for foreign online platforms.
• Despite initial measures, new providers such as the TikTok store are threatening to further exacerbate the situation.

Around 100,000 parcels from online retailers such as Temu and Shein arrive at Zurich Airport every day - a sheer volume that is increasingly paralyzing customs clearance.

According to a recent logistics market study, most of these small consignments below the duty-free threshold land directly in Kloten. As a result, the infrastructure is overloaded and freight forwarders are reporting massive delays in the delivery of important goods such as medicines and machine parts.

"Shipments from China are often inadequately declared, which makes handling extremely difficult," criticizes Tom Odermatt from the Spedlogsuisse association to theSonntagszeitungnewspaper. Large customers such as Temu also determine which freight is unloaded first - smaller deliveries fall by the wayside and are sometimes delayed by a week. Some of these shipments include important consignments such as medicines or machine parts, the newspaper writes.

[...]

There were already bottlenecks in the supply of medicines last Christmas due to the flood of parcels. Now experts fear a further escalation: following the introduction of new US tariffs on Chinese goods , even more cheap goods could be diverted to Switzerland. The trend is reinforced by the planned launch of a TikTok store in Switzerland.

The retail trade is sounding the alarm: the Swiss Retail Federation is calling for a "level playing field" for all suppliers. "Temu and Co. do not comply with Swiss safety or environmental standards," says Director Dagmar Jenni. Consumer protection organizations also criticize the aggressive advertising methods of Chinese platforms.

[...]

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.sdf.org/post/33548424

Archived

• The agency said that before DeepSeek’s chatbot was removed from app stores in South Korea, the company was transferring user data to firms in China and the U.S. without consent.
• The findings were released in relation to an ongoing investigation into DeepSeek, and the company has been sent corrective recommendations.

South Korea’s data protection authority has concluded that Chinese artificial intelligence startup DeepSeek collected personal information from local users and transferred it overseas without their permission.

The authority, the Personal Information Protection Commission [PIPC], released its written findings on Thursday in connection with a privacy and security review of DeepSeek.

It follows DeepSeek’s removal of its chatbot application from South Korean app stores in February at the recommendation of PIPC.

[...]

During DeepSeek’s presence in South Korea, it transferred user data to several firms in China and the U.S. without obtaining the necessary consent from users or disclosing the practice, the PIPC said.

The agency highlighted a particular case in which DeepSeek transferred information from user-written AI prompts, as well as device, network, and app information, to a Chinese cloud service platform named Beijing Volcano Engine Technology Co.

[...]

When the data protection authority announced the removal of DeepSeek from local app stores, it signaled that the app would become available again once the company implemented the necessary updates to comply with local data protection policy.

That investigation followed reports that some South Korean government agencies had banned employees from using DeepSeek on work devices. Other global government departments, including in Taiwan, Australia, and the U.S., have reportedly instituted similar bans.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.sdf.org/post/33548424

Archived

• The agency said that before DeepSeek’s chatbot was removed from app stores in South Korea, the company was transferring user data to firms in China and the U.S. without consent.
• The findings were released in relation to an ongoing investigation into DeepSeek, and the company has been sent corrective recommendations.

South Korea’s data protection authority has concluded that Chinese artificial intelligence startup DeepSeek collected personal information from local users and transferred it overseas without their permission.

The authority, the Personal Information Protection Commission [PIPC], released its written findings on Thursday in connection with a privacy and security review of DeepSeek.

It follows DeepSeek’s removal of its chatbot application from South Korean app stores in February at the recommendation of PIPC.

[...]

During DeepSeek’s presence in South Korea, it transferred user data to several firms in China and the U.S. without obtaining the necessary consent from users or disclosing the practice, the PIPC said.

The agency highlighted a particular case in which DeepSeek transferred information from user-written AI prompts, as well as device, network, and app information, to a Chinese cloud service platform named Beijing Volcano Engine Technology Co.

[...]

When the data protection authority announced the removal of DeepSeek from local app stores, it signaled that the app would become available again once the company implemented the necessary updates to comply with local data protection policy.

That investigation followed reports that some South Korean government agencies had banned employees from using DeepSeek on work devices. Other global government departments, including in Taiwan, Australia, and the U.S., have reportedly instituted similar bans.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.sdf.org/post/33548424

Archived

• The agency said that before DeepSeek’s chatbot was removed from app stores in South Korea, the company was transferring user data to firms in China and the U.S. without consent.
• The findings were released in relation to an ongoing investigation into DeepSeek, and the company has been sent corrective recommendations.

South Korea’s data protection authority has concluded that Chinese artificial intelligence startup DeepSeek collected personal information from local users and transferred it overseas without their permission.

The authority, the Personal Information Protection Commission [PIPC], released its written findings on Thursday in connection with a privacy and security review of DeepSeek.

It follows DeepSeek’s removal of its chatbot application from South Korean app stores in February at the recommendation of PIPC.

[...]

During DeepSeek’s presence in South Korea, it transferred user data to several firms in China and the U.S. without obtaining the necessary consent from users or disclosing the practice, the PIPC said.

The agency highlighted a particular case in which DeepSeek transferred information from user-written AI prompts, as well as device, network, and app information, to a Chinese cloud service platform named Beijing Volcano Engine Technology Co.

[...]

When the data protection authority announced the removal of DeepSeek from local app stores, it signaled that the app would become available again once the company implemented the necessary updates to comply with local data protection policy.

That investigation followed reports that some South Korean government agencies had banned employees from using DeepSeek on work devices. Other global government departments, including in Taiwan, Australia, and the U.S., have reportedly instituted similar bans.

Archived

• The agency said that before DeepSeek’s chatbot was removed from app stores in South Korea, the company was transferring user data to firms in China and the U.S. without consent.
• The findings were released in relation to an ongoing investigation into DeepSeek, and the company has been sent corrective recommendations.

South Korea’s data protection authority has concluded that Chinese artificial intelligence startup DeepSeek collected personal information from local users and transferred it overseas without their permission.

The authority, the Personal Information Protection Commission [PIPC], released its written findings on Thursday in connection with a privacy and security review of DeepSeek.

It follows DeepSeek’s removal of its chatbot application from South Korean app stores in February at the recommendation of PIPC.

[...]

During DeepSeek’s presence in South Korea, it transferred user data to several firms in China and the U.S. without obtaining the necessary consent from users or disclosing the practice, the PIPC said.

The agency highlighted a particular case in which DeepSeek transferred information from user-written AI prompts, as well as device, network, and app information, to a Chinese cloud service platform named Beijing Volcano Engine Technology Co.

[...]

When the data protection authority announced the removal of DeepSeek from local app stores, it signaled that the app would become available again once the company implemented the necessary updates to comply with local data protection policy.

That investigation followed reports that some South Korean government agencies had banned employees from using DeepSeek on work devices. Other global government departments, including in Taiwan, Australia, and the U.S., have reportedly instituted similar bans.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.sdf.org/post/33548109

Archiv-Link

In Kürze:

• Tägliche Direktflüge aus China bringen 100’000 oft ungenügend deklarierte Pakete nach Zürich-Kloten.
• Wichtige Medikamente und Maschinenteile erreichen wegen der Paketflut ihre Empfänger hierzulande mit Verzögerung.
• Schweizer Detailhandelsvertreter fordern einheitliche Regeln für alle Online-Marktplätze.

[...]

Die Situation dürfte sich bald zusätzlich verschärfen, wenn hiesige Konsumenten bei einem weiteren Billiganbieter aus China online shoppen können und zwar über die Social-Media-App Tiktok. Der Tiktok-Shop soll in der Schweiz demnächst starten.

[...]

Auch in der EU wächst der Widerstand gegen die Billigware «Made in China». Die Kommission plant eine komplette Aufhebung der Zollbefreiung für Waren unter 150 Euro sowie eine Zoll-Bearbeitungsgebühr für Pakete von Onlinehändlern wie Temu und Shein.

[...]

Auf die Kritik, zu wenig gegen mangelhafte China-Ware zu unternehmen, erklärt das Seco [das Schweizer Staatssekretariat für Wirtschaft ]: Wer Produkte einführe, sei verantwortlich dafür, dass sie den Vorschriften entsprechen. Es gebe stichprobenartige Kontrollen durch die Marktüberwachungsbehörden.

Wie viel mehr Ware es zu kontrollieren gebe, zeigt die Zunahme bei den Zollanmeldungen. Letztes Jahr verzeichnete das Bundesamt für Zoll und Grenzsicherheit (Bazg) rekordhohe 58 Millionen Anmeldungen. Der Anstieg dürfte laut einer Bazg-Sprecherin insbesondere auf die steigende Anzahl Sendungen im Onlinehandel aus Asien zurückzuführen sein.

[...]

Für Sandro Küng vom Schweizer Spielwarenverband ist der kürzliche Start des Tiktok-Shops in Europa und der baldige Markteintritt in der Schweiz Anlass, den Druck auf den Bundesrat zu erhöhen. «Wir verlangen ein Importverbot von unsicheren Spielwaren. Die Spielzeugverordnung muss auch von Temu, Shein und Tiktok eingehalten werden», so Küng.

[...]

Archiv-Link

In Kürze:

• Tägliche Direktflüge aus China bringen 100’000 oft ungenügend deklarierte Pakete nach Zürich-Kloten.
• Wichtige Medikamente und Maschinenteile erreichen wegen der Paketflut ihre Empfänger hierzulande mit Verzögerung.
• Schweizer Detailhandelsvertreter fordern einheitliche Regeln für alle Online-Marktplätze.

[...]

Die Situation dürfte sich bald zusätzlich verschärfen, wenn hiesige Konsumenten bei einem weiteren Billiganbieter aus China online shoppen können und zwar über die Social-Media-App Tiktok. Der Tiktok-Shop soll in der Schweiz demnächst starten.

[...]

Auch in der EU wächst der Widerstand gegen die Billigware «Made in China». Die Kommission plant eine komplette Aufhebung der Zollbefreiung für Waren unter 150 Euro sowie eine Zoll-Bearbeitungsgebühr für Pakete von Onlinehändlern wie Temu und Shein.

[...]

Auf die Kritik, zu wenig gegen mangelhafte China-Ware zu unternehmen, erklärt das Seco [das Schweizer Staatssekretariat für Wirtschaft ]: Wer Produkte einführe, sei verantwortlich dafür, dass sie den Vorschriften entsprechen. Es gebe stichprobenartige Kontrollen durch die Marktüberwachungsbehörden.

Wie viel mehr Ware es zu kontrollieren gebe, zeigt die Zunahme bei den Zollanmeldungen. Letztes Jahr verzeichnete das Bundesamt für Zoll und Grenzsicherheit (Bazg) rekordhohe 58 Millionen Anmeldungen. Der Anstieg dürfte laut einer Bazg-Sprecherin insbesondere auf die steigende Anzahl Sendungen im Onlinehandel aus Asien zurückzuführen sein.

[...]

Für Sandro Küng vom Schweizer Spielwarenverband ist der kürzliche Start des Tiktok-Shops in Europa und der baldige Markteintritt in der Schweiz Anlass, den Druck auf den Bundesrat zu erhöhen. «Wir verlangen ein Importverbot von unsicheren Spielwaren. Die Spielzeugverordnung muss auch von Temu, Shein und Tiktok eingehalten werden», so Küng.

[...]

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.sdf.org/post/33547213

Archived

In an interview with La Tribune Dimanche, Eric Lombard, the French Minister of Economy discussed the rising influx of Chinese low-cost products into France amid Donald Trump’s customs measures. The minister plans to announce new actions within the next ten days.

Is France on the verge of being flooded with Chinese products from Temu and Shein, e-commerce platforms known for their unbeatable prices? This concern looms large in France, especially within the retail sector, following Donald Trump’s announcement of a staggering 145% customs duty on Chinese goods. As a result, China might look towards flooding the European market, particularly France, with these small packages. When asked about this in an interview with La Tribune Dimanche on April 20, Economy Minister Eric Lombard expressed his determination not to stand idly by.

“We must curb this phenomenon,” he firmly stated. For him, the threats posed by these websites are threefold: social, health, and environmental. He elaborated, “These shipments directly compete with our businesses and merchants. Some products do not meet European standards, and the people manufacturing them work under conditions that are not aligned with our values. It’s also an environmental absurdity.”

[...]

The minister also highlighted some staggering statistics: “The volume of goods is enormous: 400 million items were shipped last year. Nearly 800 million are projected this year. […] Just to the European market, that’s 600 jumbo jets taking off each night from China!”

[Edit typo.]

Archived

In an interview with La Tribune Dimanche, Eric Lombard, the French Minister of Economy discussed the rising influx of Chinese low-cost products into France amid Donald Trump’s customs measures. The minister plans to announce new actions within the next ten days.

Is France on the verge of being flooded with Chinese products from Temu and Shein, e-commerce platforms known for their unbeatable prices? This concern looms large in France, especially within the retail sector, following Donald Trump’s announcement of a staggering 145% customs duty on Chinese goods. As a result, China might look towards flooding the European market, particularly France, with these small packages. When asked about this in an interview with La Tribune Dimanche on April 20, Economy Minister Eric Lombard expressed his determination not to stand idly by.

“We must curb this phenomenon,” he firmly stated. For him, the threats posed by these websites are threefold: social, health, and environmental. He elaborated, “These shipments directly compete with our businesses and merchants. Some products do not meet European standards, and the people manufacturing them work under conditions that are not aligned with our values. It’s also an environmental absurdity.”

[...]

The minister also highlighted some staggering statistics: “The volume of goods is enormous: 400 million items were shipped last year. Nearly 800 million are projected this year. […] Just to the European market, that’s 600 jumbo jets taking off each night from China!”

[Edit typo.]

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.sdf.org/post/33523587

Archived

Russia is ramping up immigration enforcement to pressure migrants to join the frontline in Ukraine and increase deportations of people from various Asian countries. As part of the Kremlin’s efforts to bolster military strength, foreigners continue to be coerced into fighting in Ukraine–with many being threatened with deportation should they refuse to fight. And since the Crocus City Hall terrorist attack in Moscow in March 2024, xenophobic rhetoric targeting migrants from Tajikistan and other countries in Central Asia has ballooned, leading to “sweeping” raids that have resulted in thousands of people being locked up in the country’s sprawling immigration detention system. In February, legislation came into force creating a new “expulsion regime,” increasing authorities’ ability to deport without judicial oversight.

Although the Russian economy relies heavily on migrant labour, particularly from Central Asia, prejudice against migrants is persistent. According to the extremism monitor Sova Research Center, since 2023 Russia has witnessed an increase in hate crimes and racial violence. In particular, the Center reports that violence has targeted persons “visually perceived as ethnic outsiders”–such as migrants from Central Asia, persons from the Caucasus and, more broadly, persons with non-Slavic appearance. Anti-migrant sentiment is also reflected in polls conducted by the Levada Center, who in early 2025 found that fifty-six percent of Russians believe that Central Asians should either be completely blocked from the country, or only permitted to enter temporarily.

[...]

Archived

Russia is ramping up immigration enforcement to pressure migrants to join the frontline in Ukraine and increase deportations of people from various Asian countries. As part of the Kremlin’s efforts to bolster military strength, foreigners continue to be coerced into fighting in Ukraine–with many being threatened with deportation should they refuse to fight. And since the Crocus City Hall terrorist attack in Moscow in March 2024, xenophobic rhetoric targeting migrants from Tajikistan and other countries in Central Asia has ballooned, leading to “sweeping” raids that have resulted in thousands of people being locked up in the country’s sprawling immigration detention system. In February, legislation came into force creating a new “expulsion regime,” increasing authorities’ ability to deport without judicial oversight.

Although the Russian economy relies heavily on migrant labour, particularly from Central Asia, prejudice against migrants is persistent. According to the extremism monitor Sova Research Center, since 2023 Russia has witnessed an increase in hate crimes and racial violence. In particular, the Center reports that violence has targeted persons “visually perceived as ethnic outsiders”–such as migrants from Central Asia, persons from the Caucasus and, more broadly, persons with non-Slavic appearance. Anti-migrant sentiment is also reflected in polls conducted by the Levada Center, who in early 2025 found that fifty-six percent of Russians believe that Central Asians should either be completely blocked from the country, or only permitted to enter temporarily.

[...]

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.sdf.org/post/33521571

"Ramadan Mubarak!" - "Einen gesegneten Ramadan": Was mit dem Gruß zum islamischen Fastenmonat beginnt, ist keine normale Nachricht, sondern ein Hackerangriff. Im Frühjahr 2025 erhielten Mitglieder des Weltkongresses der Uiguren (WUC) in München eine E-Mail. Wer auf den Link im Text klickte, ließ unbemerkt einen Trojaner auf sein Gerät, der Sicherheitseinstellungen aushebelt - und damit lokale Dateien, IP-Adressen und Identifikationsnummern an die Angreifer übermitteln konnte.

Das "Citizen Lab", eine renommierte Forschungsgruppe an der Universität Toronto, bestätigt: Der gesamte Angriff, einschließlich aller beobachteten Methoden und Taktiken, stimmt mit bekannten Attacken staatlicher chinesischer Hackergruppen überein.

[...]

Auch westliche Geheimdienste schlagen Alarm. Anfang April warnen deutsche, US-amerikanische, britische, kanadische und australische Behörden vor gezielten Cyberangriffen aus China. Ziel sei laut Analyse: die digitale Überwachung chinesischer Minderheiten im Ausland - insbesondere Uiguren, Tibeter, Menschen aus Hongkong und Taiwan.

[...]

Im Rahmen des internationalen Rechercheprojekts "China Targets", an dem auch das ZDF beteiligt ist, haben Reporter über 100 Fälle aus mehr als 20 Ländern dokumentiert, in denen China gezielt Uiguren, Tibeter, Menschen aus Hongkong und Taiwan, Kritikerinnen und Aktivisten im Ausland mit Morddrohungen, Nötigung und Cyberattacken angegriffen hat.

Allein in Deutschland haben ZDF-Reporter mehr als ein Dutzend dieser Fälle recherchiert. Die Betroffenen berichten von Morddrohungen und Online-Attacken - und davon, dass ihre Familien in China unter Druck gesetzt wurden.

[...]

Trotz der wachsenden Bedrohung erfassen deutsche Behörden die Fälle nicht systematisch. Das Bundeskriminalamt (BKA) führt keine gesonderte Statistik zur Verfolgung chinesischer Dissidenten.

Der Verfassungsschutz bleibt zurückhaltend - teilt jedoch auf ZDF-Anfrage mit: "Alle Ausprägungen der Transnationalen Repression (TNR), von (digitaler) Einschüchterung bis hin zu Akten des Staatsterrorismus, verletzen grundlegende Menschenrechte und stellen einen Eingriff in die Souveränität und Sicherheit Deutschlands dar."

[...]

Gleichzeitig pflegt die Bundesregierung ihre Beziehungen zu Peking: China ist einer der wichtigsten Handelspartner Deutschlands. Sogar auf militärischer Ebene arbeiten die Staaten zusammen.

Laut als Verschlusssache eingestuften Bundestagsunterlagen, die dem ZDF vorliegen, fanden im Zeitraum 2014 bis 2024 insgesamt 122 Delegationsbesuche zwischen dem Verteidigungsministerium Deutschlands und chinesischen Streitkräften statt. 80 Angehörige der Streitkräfte wurden in Deutschland ausgebildet.

[...]