South Korea’s largest e-commerce platform operating Coupang, the breach a former employee by, stolen security keys with customer data to access result happened it confirmed. Company’s, Mandiant, Palo Alto Networks and Ernst & Young like cybersecurity firms from support by forensic investigation, the breach this person traced. Coupang according to, former employee only about 3,000 customer accounts’ data saved and then these data deleted. Other data however, affected not.

Company, stolen data’s customers’ names, email addresses, phone numbers and home addresses like information includes it reported. However, payment information, login information and customs numbers like sensitive data’s leaked not emphasized it. Coupang, the data’s third parties to transferred not also guaranteed.

Former Employee, Leaked Data Containing Laptop River Threw

The breach public to reflected after, the suspect worried and evidence to destroy for steps took it reported. Former employee, leaked data containing a laptop a river threw to hide tried. Laptop, suspect’s gave location information according to divers by recovered. Also, suspect, the data’s stored second computer’s deleted also destroyed.

Coupang, the breach’s solved steps taken although, South Korean authorities cautious acted. South Korean Ministry of Science and Technology, Cou pang’s statements’ yet verified not and official investigation continuing emphasized it. Government, the event’s to investigate a task force formed and this task force’s findings yet released not. This situation, the company’s statements’ accuracy towards public in doubt raised, because government yet the event’s inner face verified not.

Coupang’s Breach, South Korea’s History’s Most Serious Data Breaches Among One

Coupang, the data’s recovered and secured after, the breach important legal and regulatory challenges led. Company, South Korea and United States in class actions facing. Plaintiffs, personal information’s leaked potential harms for compensation requesting. South Korea President Lee Jae Myung, company’s corporate negligence because tougher penalties against to given be called for. Breach, South Korea’s history’s most serious data breaches among one described was.

Lawsuits addition to, police, Coupang’s Seoul in headquarters to raid and company’s breach handling way towards scrutiny increased. South Korea Presidency, affected people to accountability and appropriate compensation to provided demanded.

Coupang Faces Class-Action Lawsuit in the US Over Massive Data Breach

The class-action lawsuit, filed in a California federal court, accuses Coupang, its CEO Bom Kim, and its CFO Gaurav Anand of violating securities laws. The investors who filed the lawsuit claim that Coupang misled them about the company’s cybersecurity measures and failed to disclose the breach in accordance with US securities regulations.

Coupang, known as South Korea’s Amazon, admitted to the data breach and expressed regret over the unauthorized access to customer data. As a result of the incident, Coupang’s subsidiary Coupang Corp’s CEO Park Dae-jun resigned earlier this month. The company has pledged to enhance its security measures to prevent future data breaches.

What Happened at Coupang?

The data breach at Coupang was discovered on November 18 when it was realized that a former employee had illicitly retained access to the company’s internal systems for months. During this period, personal information of over 33 million customers—including names, email addresses, delivery addresses, and some order histories—was exposed. Fortunately, Coupang confirmed that sensitive data such as payment details and login credentials were not part of the breach.

The lawsuit also emphasizes that Cou pang failed to disclose the breach in a timely manner. The plaintiffs allege that the company’s regulatory filings in the US downplayed the company’s vulnerability to cyberattacks and overstated the effectiveness of its security measures.

Data Breach Investigations Triggered

As of now, Cou pang and the lawyers representing the investors who filed the lawsuit have not made any public comments on the case. The company reiterated its commitment to strengthening its cybersecurity infrastructure and preventing similar incidents in the future.

Cou pang, a global company with offices in California and other US cities, is a market leader in South Korea’s e-commerce sector, offering services such as same-day delivery, video streaming, and food delivery. The data breach has also triggered investigations into the company’s practices in South Korea.

Seeking Compensation for Investors

The plaintiffs are seeking damages for investors who purchased Cou pang securities between August 6 and December 16. The lawsuit alleges that the company’s actions—or inactions—directly impacted the stock value during this period. As investigations continue and the case progresses in court, the outcome of this lawsuit is expected to have significant effects on Cou pang and its position in both the US and South Korean markets.

Coupang Faces the Largest Data Breach in Its History, Nearly 34 Million Users Affected

The Paris court rejected the French government’s request to suspend the China-based e-commerce platform Shein for three months due to the sale of illegal products. French authorities had claimed that banned weapons, illegal medications, and childlike sex dolls were being sold on Shein’s marketplace.

While acknowledging the seriousness of the issue, the court decided that the state’s request for a suspension was “disproportionate,” noting that the sale of the banned products was “sporadic.” It also highlighted that Shein had promptly removed the products and responded quickly to the situation.

French Authorities’ Concerns and Shein’s Actions

The French government had called for Shein’s suspension following the sale of disturbing products, particularly childlike sex dolls, on its marketplace. However, the court concluded that the sales were limited, and Shein acted quickly to remove the products, thus minimizing the damage.

Rather than a general suspension, the court ordered Shein to implement age verification measures to prevent the sale of “sexual products that could be considered pornographic.” Shein acknowledged the difficulty of implementing effective age filters and, as a result, stated that the adult-only sexual product category would remain closed for the time being.

Ongoing Investigations and European Scrutiny

Despite the court’s decision not to suspend Shein’s operations, a French investigation into the company is ongoing. The Paris prosecutor’s office has launched a criminal investigation into Shein, as well as other e-commerce platforms, including AliExpress, Temu, Wish, and eBay, for the sale of illegal products.

The French government is also calling for stricter sanctions at the European level under the Digital Services Act (DSA). While Shein has been asked to provide information, the European Commission has yet to open an official investigation into Shein, a situation that differs from AliExpress and Temu.

Shein’s Response and Growing Issues

Shein welcomed the Paris court’s decision, stating that it is committed to continuously improving its product control processes in collaboration with French authorities. The company emphasized its priority of protecting French consumers and complying with local laws.

Shein has taken various steps to address the situation, including disabling its marketplace in France since November 5 and only offering Shein-branded clothing. Additionally, Shein announced that it has stopped selling sex dolls across its global marketplaces.

The company is facing broader criticism in France and other countries. Critics argue that Shein’s ultra-low-cost business model encourages waste and contributes to environmental harm. Furthermore, Shein has been fined a total of €191 million by French authorities in 2025. These fines were imposed for misleading advertising, violations of cookie laws, providing misleading information, and failing to disclose microplastics in its clothing.

New Tax on Low-Value Imports in Europe

Another blow to platforms like Shein came when European Union finance ministers decided to impose a €3 tax on low-value imports starting in July 2026. Previously, small parcels valued below €150 were exempt from customs duties. European retailers argue that platforms like Shein create unfair competition by not always complying with the EU’s strict regulations on product safety and consumer protection.

France to Open and Inspect Every Parcel from Shein as Crackdown on Chinese E-Commerce Escalates

One of India’s largest e-commerce platforms, Flipkart, has announced the acquisition of a majority stake in Minivet AI, an AI and machine learning solutions provider. Founded in 2024, the Bengaluru-based startup specializes in transforming static product catalogs into video content, achieving this transformation at a much lower cost than traditional production methods. This move is seen as part of Flipkart’s broader strategy to expand its generative AI (GenAI) capabilities and improve the e-commerce experience.

Aiming for Enriched Shopping Experiences with Minivet AI

While the financial details of the deal have not been disclosed, this acquisition is considered an important step toward Flipkart’s goal of establishing long-term technological advantages in AI-powered shopping experiences. By incorporating Minivet AI’s technology, Flipkart aims to accelerate the shift towards video-based, conversation-driven, and visually enriched shopping experiences.

Minivet AI’s platform will enable Flipkart to transform its product catalogs into dynamic video content. This innovation will provide a more interactive and dynamic shopping experience, increasing customer engagement and boosting conversions. The startup also offers AI solutions such as semantic search and conversational interfaces, making it a comprehensive GenAI partner for online retail platforms.

“Minivet AI Solutions Will Improve Customer Engagement and Conversions”

Flipkart’s Senior Vice President, Ravi Iyer, emphasized the importance of this acquisition, stating, “Acquiring Minivet AI allows us to bring in specialized capabilities and proprietary technologies critical for visual and video-focused commerce.” He also noted that the integration of Minivet AI solutions would improve customer engagement and conversions over time.

Minivet A I’s founder, Aditya Rachakonda, expressed his excitement about the partnership, stating that the acquisition would help scale GenAI solutions. Rachakonda said, “We are excited to be part of Flipkart’s vision of transforming the online shopping experience.”

As the e-commerce sector increasingly shifts towards AI-powered discovery and visual content, Flipkart’s acquisition of Minivet AI comes at a time when brands are striving to stand out in a saturated market. This partnership will make shopping on Flipkart more intuitive and immersive, laying the foundation for a more personalized and visually appealing user experience.

TikTok, following a strong Black Friday performance, has restructured its global e-commerce product and data science teams to improve collaboration in areas like artificial intelligence (AI) and increase operational efficiency. This change was made after significant developments during the holiday shopping season and was confirmed by an internal memo seen by Business Insider.

The restructuring, carried out in the first week of December, is part of a larger initiative to enhance TikTok’s operational efficiency. ByteDance’s e-commerce head Bob Kang stated that the changes would help create better alignment across the company’s various regions and functions, with a particular focus on AI integration and optimizing internal processes.

Zhou Sheng Steps Down

As a result of the restructuring, Zhou Sheng, who had led TikTok’s global e-commerce product and design team, stepped down. Zhou played a significant role in the development of TikTok’s e-commerce product, greatly contributing to the platform’s global expansion. The company acknowledged Zhou’s contributions to the e-commerce ecosystem but confirmed his departure from the leadership role.

Following the restructuring, regional e-commerce product and user growth managers will report to Chen Songlin, a senior ByteDance executive. Chen, who previously worked on Tik Tok’s Chinese counterpart Douyin, is expected to facilitate smoother and more efficient decision-making and communication among teams.

Strategic Timing for Global E-Commerce Expansion

These changes come at a critical time as TikTok strives to become a major player in the global e-commerce market. The platform has shown rapid growth in user engagement and online shopping during the holiday season, continuing to expand its e-commerce features. Tik Tok aims to leverage the growing trend of social commerce, with features like live-stream shopping and product discovery tools. E-commerce integration is seen as a key pillar of Tik Tok’s future growth strategy.

TikTok Increases Collaborations with Brands and Influencers

Tik Tok’s restructuring aligns with broader trends in the tech and e-commerce industries, where companies are focusing on AI and operational improvements to stay competitive. As the holiday season continues, the platform is expected to use its expanded e-commerce capabilities to capture more market share in the online retail space.

TikTok’s focus on e-commerce is also evident in its increasing collaborations with brands and influencers. These partnerships allow creators to sell products directly through the platform. The restructuring could streamline TikTok’s e-commerce efforts, making it a more efficient and powerful competitor in the e-commerce market.

As the holiday shopping frenzy continues, TikTok’s efforts to strengthen its e-commerce infrastructure could play a pivotal role in shaping the platform’s future in the online retail market.

TikTok Shop Increases Seller Commissions Across Europe

Kaspi.kz‘s strategic investment in Hepsiburada reached a significant milestone after the company’s $1.1 billion investment earlier in the year. The 4.17 billion lira capital increase further solidifies Kaspi’s presence in Türkiye and underscores its long-term commitment to the Turkish digital ecosystem.

The capital increase was approved at an Extraordinary General Assembly (EGM) meeting held on November 17, 2025. This new funding will support Hepsiburada’s growth strategies and will be used to enhance the digital tools and services available to the thousands of small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and retailers operating on the platform.

“Our Goal Is to Help Sellers Scale Their Operations Safely”

Mikheil Lomtadze, Founder and CEO of Kaspi.kz and Chairman of Hepsiburada’s Board, stated that the investment was not only a sign of their confidence in Hepsiburada, but also a strong partnership founded on a shared mission to improve people’s daily lives through simple and innovative digital products.

Lomtadze said, “With this investment, our goal is to provide the necessary digital infrastructure to help SMBs in Türkiye innovate, grow, and become more competitive in the global market. We aim to make it easier for our sellers to access the best e-commerce, fintech, and cashless payment solutions, enabling them to scale their operations safely.”

Kaspi.kz’s Expertise in User-Focused Digital Services

Kaspi.kz’s expertise in user-focused digital services, combined with Hepsiburada’s strong commercial infrastructure, is set to make a significant contribution to Türkiye’s digital transformation. Lomtadze reiterated his belief that the partnership will play a key role in advancing Türkiye’s digital economy.

“Digiital services and e-commerce success are directly tied to the success of local businesses. We are providing all the necessary digital infrastructure for them to succeed on the global stage,” he added.

Kaspi.kz’s ongoing investments will continue to support the development of innovative digital solutions on the Hepsiburada platform and contribute to the growth of Türkiye’s digital ecosystem.

E-Commerce in Kazakhstan Grows Sevenfold Over the Last Five Years

Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), and Noon’s founder and Chairman, Mohamed Alabbar, participated in Noon’s latest funding round. Alabbar is also the Chairman of Dubai-based real estate developer Emaar Properties.

According to sources familiar with the matter, the funding was secured from Noon’s existing investors, although the valuation details of the funding round were not disclosed. A PIF spokesperson declined to comment, and Noon and Alabbar did not respond to media inquiries. Noon was founded in 2016 with the support of PIF and an investor group led by Alabbar. It is reported that PIF holds approximately 50% of the company’s shares, with the remainder owned by private investors.

A Total of $2.7 Billion Raised Since Inception

Noon entered the market shortly after Amazon acquired Dubai-based Souq.com for $580 million. Since then, the company has aimed to be a regional alternative to global e-commerce giants. Over time, Noon has expanded its services beyond basic e-commerce to include fast delivery, food, and daily essentials. According to Mohamed Alabbar’s previous statements to the Financial Times, Noon has raised a total of $2.7 billion since its inception. The company’s latest valuation stands at approximately $10 billion.

Noon’s new investment round comes at a time when competition in the Gulf region’s digital commerce ecosystem is intensifying rapidly. Global and regional players are increasing their investments in e-commerce, online groceries, food delivery, and quick commerce to gain market share.

Price Competition is Increasing in the Market

As Amazon expands its operations in market and essential goods in the region, China-based Meituan has introduced food delivery and dark store models in the Middle East. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia-based quick commerce startup Ninja has entered an aggressive growth phase following a $250 million investment earlier this year. These developments are driving up price competition in the market, forcing companies to allocate more resources toward logistics infrastructure, technology investments, and customer acquisition costs.

Noon’s IPO Could Be One of the Largest Technology IPOs from the Middle East

The $500 million investment is seen as a significant step in strengthening Noon’s financial structure ahead of a potential IPO. Alabbar had previously mentioned that the company was aiming for an IPO within the next two years. However, no official statement has been made yet regarding the timing of the IPO or which stock exchange it will be listed on.

If realized, No on’s IPO could become one of the largest technology IPOs to come out of the Middle East. This also aligns with the Gulf countries’ goals of deepening their capital markets and achieving technology-driven economic diversification, particularly in Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

With headquarters in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, No on operates as a multi-channel digital platform covering online marketplace, food delivery, and online grocery services. The company is positioned in the region’s rapidly growing digital retail market, continuing operations in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt. Mohamed Alabbar, the founder and Chairman of No on, is also the Chairman of Emaar Properties, a Dubai-based real estate developer.

Yango and Noon Launch Autonomous Delivery Service in Dubai

Shopify announced the Winter ’26 Edition, a major platform update that includes more than 150 new features aimed at transforming the way online merchants build, manage, and grow their businesses. At the center of the release are advanced artificial intelligence tools designed to streamline operations, enhance creativity, and open new commerce channels.

Also referred to by Shopify as the “Renaissance Edition,” the Winter ’26 Edition offers a wide range of updates that deeply integrate artificial intelligence into the merchant experience. At the heart of the release is an enhanced version of Shopify’s built-in AI assistant, Sidekick. Sidekick has now been redesigned not merely as a reactive helper, but as a proactive business partner.

Tools Are Offered That Automatically Build Workflows Without Requiring Coding

Among Sidekick’s advanced capabilities are anticipating merchant needs, generating code on demand, and enabling the editing of storefront themes using natural language. In addition, features such as Sidekick Pulse, which provides personalized and actionable recommendations based on store data, and tools that automatically create workflows such as tagging high-spending customers without requiring any coding, are also offered.

Other artificial intelligence developments include SimGym, a simulation tool that models customer behavior using aggregated shopping data and allows merchants to test store changes before going live, as well as Rollouts, which enables A/B testing and staged releases directly through the Shopify admin panel.

Shopify Agentic Storefronts Integrates Products Into AI Tools

One of the standout innovations in the Winter ’26 Edition is Shopify Agentic Storefronts. This feature allows merchants to integrate their product catalogs, through a single setup in the Shopify dashboard, into AI-powered chat platforms such as ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, and Perplexity. In this way, products can be discovered and purchased directly within AI conversations; thus, sales opportunities beyond traditional storefronts are created, while merchants retain control over their brand identity, checkout experience, and customer relationships.

According to Shopify, merchants themselves decide where and how their products appear within conversations, and data obtained from these AI interactions is reintegrated into the admin panel for attribution and insights. This agent-based commerce model represents a significant transformation toward making artificial intelligence a native part of the shopping experience.

Winter ’26 Edition Also Includes Improvements Focused on E-Commerce Operations

Beyond artificial intelligence features, the Winter ’26 Edition also includes various improvements across core areas of e-commerce operations. Merchants can now access localized payment setups for different markets, expanded checkout and customer account customizations, and a significant increase in product variant limits, a long-standing request for stores with complex product catalogs.

Additional improvements also cover marketing and analytics areas, such as dynamic product recommendations in email campaigns, advanced SMS marketing tools, and expanded international payment support covering the United Kingdom and certain regions of Europe. These updates aim to help merchants engage more effectively with customers in different markets and optimize their performance.

Implications for Merchants and Developers

The Winter ’26 Edition not only enhances tools for everyday merchants, but also moves the platform toward an AI-native environment that can reduce reliance on third-party applications and external code. Developers benefit from AI support for end-to-end workflow automation, universally searchable commerce data, and the ability to build and deploy applications that integrate seamlessly with Shopify’s extensive ecosystem.

This update reveals Shopify’s strategy of positioning itself at the forefront of AI-driven commerce. By offering stronger capabilities for innovation and competition to both small and large-scale businesses, Shopify promotes a future in which automation and human creativity work together by integrating artificial intelligence into every area of the platform, from storefront design and customer engagement to analytics and operational simulations.

Shopify Pushes the Boundaries With the Winter ’26 Edition

With the Winter ’26 Edition becoming available, Shopify is pushing the boundaries of what merchants can achieve with integrated artificial intelligence. While the comprehensive package of new tools and enhancements aims to empower businesses with advanced automation, richer customer insights, and expanded sales channels, it represents a significant evolution in the world of e-commerce.

Shopify Unveils AI-Powered Universal Cart for Agentic E-Commerce