Etsy Sellers Up in Arms Over Ban on Sex Toys and Erotic Items
Online marketplace Etsy is facing backlash from sellers after announcing a ban on sex toys and other erotic items, as well as products that expose body parts like female nipples or buttocks clefts when modeled. The new rules, set to take effect on July 29, are said to be in line with “evolving industry standards.”
Affected sellers, who have relied on Etsy for years, feel betrayed by the policy change and fear a significant drop in revenue. Anna, founder of Simply Elegant Glass, a sex toy maker, expressed her disappointment, stating, “As creators who have helped make Etsy what it is, we feel betrayed.”
Etsy defended the ban as a measure to keep users safe and comply with industry trends. However, sellers argue that the concerns could be addressed by better labeling and separating adult product listings on the platform.
The announcement has left many sellers scrambling to find alternative platforms to sell their products. A Czech Republic-based seller of premium silicone sex toys warned that businesses relying on Etsy could see a significant income decrease, forcing many to seek new job opportunities.
While some sellers support the changes, others question how the new rules will be enforced. The strengthened policy outlines prohibited products and guidelines for displaying permitted “mature” items, such as restraints, handcuffs, and sex furniture.
This is not the first time Etsy’s policy updates have sparked controversy, with a previous backlash in 2015 over the selling of spells. The latest ban on sex toys and erotic items has reignited debate over censorship and freedom of expression on the popular online marketplace.
