China investigates factory accused of producing childlike sex dolls

Authorities in China have launched an investigation into a factory accused of producing sex dolls resembling children and have ordered an immediate halt to its operations, state media reported, as international retailers and governments step up scrutiny of such products.

The Paper, a state-owned outlet, said officials were attaching "great importance" to the issue. According to the report, the factory under investigation was one of several in southern Guangdong province producing customisable dolls with "childlike pornography characteristics". The dolls were reportedly sold through major e-commerce platforms and social media channels, says the BBC.

The controversy has prompted actions from global retailers. Online fashion and lifestyle marketplace Shein banned the worldwide sale of all sex dolls last month following public criticism over items with a childlike appearance. The company, which began in China and is now headquartered in Singapore, said it had "strengthened its keyword blacklist" to prevent sellers from bypassing restrictions on product listings.

AliExpress has also faced scrutiny. French authorities previously investigated the company over the issue, and in November the China-based platform banned a seller of sex dolls, despite the firm having "repeatedly denied ever selling sex toys on any platform".

Separately, Sweden has pledged to address the availability of such dolls online. Social Services Minister Camilla Waltersson Gronvall urged e-commerce platforms to "assume their responsibilities" to stop the marketing of sexual dolls that resemble children. She said that if voluntary measures proved insufficient, the government would not hesitate to introduce new legislation.

The debate comes as advances in artificial intelligence have enabled greater customisation of sex dolls sold online, including models equipped with conversational capabilities.