Policy changes go into effect next month.

Online retailer Etsy will prohibit sales of most sex toys, content that depicts sex acts and genitalia, and more starting July 29.

The indie seller published its Adult Nudity and Sexual Content policy yesterday, which states that sales of adult toys that are insertable, “applied to the genitalia,” or “designed for genitals to be inserted into them” will be prohibited. That pretty much runs the gamut — dildos, vibrators, rings, plugs, and the like will be banned.

  • Flying Squid@lemmy.world
    2111·
    5 months ago

    That is the problem Etsy thinks it should be tackling rather than the fact that its small business sellers are being driven off the platform. Shows where their priorities are.

    • cygnus@lemmy.ca
      129·
      5 months ago

      Yeah, it’s turning into Amazon, flooded by resellers of cheap Chinese shit. That does far more harm to the Etsy brand.

      • disguy_ovahea@lemmy.world
        583·
        5 months ago

        It would do even more harm if people were more aware of how China is able to make things so inexpensively. Amazon and Walmart have standardized obfuscating slave labor.

        In Xinjiang, the government is the trafficker. Authorities use threats of physical violence, forcible drug intake, physical and sexual abuse, and torture to force detainees to work in adjacent or off-site factories or worksites producing garments, footwear, carpets, yarn, food products, holiday decorations, building materials, extractives, materials for solar power equipment and other renewable energy components, consumer electronics, bedding, hair products, cleaning supplies, personal protective equipment, face masks, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and other goods—and these goods are finding their way into businesses and homes around the world.

        https://www.state.gov/forced-labor-in-chinas-xinjiang-region/

        Yes, the US also employs slave labor for big food brands. It’s important to be aware of those as well.

        https://apnews.com/article/prison-to-plate-inmate-labor-investigation-c6f0eb4747963283316e494eadf08c4e

        • Ensign_Crab@lemmy.worldEnglish
          16·
          5 months ago

          It would do even more harm if people were more aware of how China is able to make things so inexpensively. Amazon and Walmart have standardized obfuscating slave labor.

          And Etsy has turned obfuscating slave labor into a side hustle. What bleak times we inhabit.

        • notanaltaccount@lemmy.world
          94·
          5 months ago

          It’s all so horrible. 😭

          I’m sure I’ve used some of the slave labor products. To those who are captive, I am so sorry! I am an exhausted worker bee and just trying to get by in the world and wish I could help you.

      • Rookwood@lemmy.world
        2416·
        5 months ago

        Chinese reselling is the most profitable business model. Etsy is a public company and must choose the most profitable business model. The idea that a publicly traded company will have it’s primary business model being selling handcrafted goods is asinine.

        Not attacking anyone that didn’t see this coming, I’m just commenting on how stupid it is that every company feels the need to go public in our culture of greed regardless of their mission and place in the market.

        • restingboredface@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
          43·
          5 months ago

          Well the funny thing is Etsy actually made a different choice originally. They claimed b-corp status, which is supposed to mean they prioritize social good in their business strategy. It’s annoying that they seem to be so much more profit focused because if they were going to go to the trouble of becoming a bcorp they really should be working harder to stick to it.

          Here’s a bit more about benefit corporations (b-corps)

        • cygnus@lemmy.ca
          2111·
          5 months ago

          Chinese reselling is the most profitable business model. Etsy is a public company and must choose the most profitable business model.

          This is a definition of capitalism contrived by someone looking to dunk on capitalism at any cost. BMW could be “profitable” if they started flooding the market with $20k cars… for a while.

          • sandalbucket@lemmy.world
            1·
            5 months ago

            I have no context for how expensive a bmw is. I assume it’s more than 20k? - how much more? 50k?

            I’m trying to save for a house downpayment but have also been thinking about a new car, and the Tiguan looks kinda nice, assuming it’s not one of those touch screen cars

            Edit: I am a fool, the tiguan is a VW.

            • cygnus@lemmy.ca
              1·
              5 months ago

              (sorry everyone else for going way off topic here)

              The Tiguan is indeed nice! It drives pretty well and had enough cargo room to hold a bunch of musical instruments last time I needed to do that. It has gotten expensive, though. For my money I’d either buy a gently used one, or check out the Taos if you don’t mind the slightly smaller size.

              • sandalbucket@lemmy.world
                1·
                5 months ago

                The Taos might be the play - I am very nearly in love with the Golf, and even though I love a small car, it’s just slightly too small. I want to fit at least a hiking backpack in the trunk.

                • cygnus@lemmy.ca
                  1·
                  5 months ago

                  I quite like the Taos, One of my friends has one and it’s roomier than most other crossovers in that segment.