*Update* Etsy refuses to remove incest-themed merchandise (read more below)

Etsy continues to host degrading, fetish and incest-themed content despite updated policy

It was 2020 when we first exposed global online marketplace Etsy selling child sex abuse dolls – and for hosting sellers customising dolls in the likeness of actual children. Our investigation was featured in news.com.au. 

Early the following year, we exposed incest and abuse-themed products being sold on the platform. In response, fashion designer Anna Cordell shut her Etsy shop (alongside a number of sellers) and, backed by us, started a change.org petition calling on the platform to remove this merchandise.

Three years and almost 70,000 signatures later, we applauded Etsy for their new policy banning sex dolls, pornography and incest-themed content. The site even blocked search terms “sex doll” and “porn”. 

Global online marketplace Etsy has announced a new policy banning pornography, sex dolls and incest-themed content.

While the new Prohibited Items Policy comes into effect from 29 July, Etsy has already blocked search terms relating to porn, sex dolls and other fetish items.

Etsy silent despite petition with 37k signatures + widespread condemnation

This week Anna Cordell - head of an online petition calling on Etsy's Board of Directors to stop selling incest + child abuse themed merch - sent an email to the corporate heads. After weeks of silence and unsuccessful attempts to reach the directors via social media and phone, Anna wrote the following letter urging them to take action and to respond to the petition.

Prominent child protection experts also speak out

Anna Cordell's petition to Etsy calling on corporate leaders to stop selling incest and child abuse themed merch has drawn support from around the world. It has so far attracted over 17k signatures, and hundreds of comments condemning Etsy's lack of corporate social responsibility. 

Our response to Etsy defenders