Swedish child protection organization ChildX reported to the police earlier this month, accusing Amazon and several other e-commerce platforms of selling sex dolls that clearly resemble children. In response, the Swedish government on the 28th pledged to crack down on the illegal sale of child sex dolls online.
According to the Associated Press, the Swedish government held a meeting on the 28th regarding the "major case of e-commerce companies selling child sex dolls." Child protection organizations, online merchants, and government agencies all attended the meeting.
After the meeting, Swedish Minister for Social Services Camilla Waltersson Grönvall stated, "I want to speak on behalf of all parents. As a mother, seeing photos and images of these dolls truly breaks my heart."
Grönvall claimed that the Swedish government wants to ensure that such products can no longer be bought or sold. She emphasized that online platforms are taking action to ensure these products cannot be sold on the internet.
When asked by reporters whether the measures being taken are sufficient, Grönvall responded, "I have made it clear that we will monitor this matter closely and will not hesitate to take further action. If deemed necessary, further legislation may be considered."
According to ChildX, the sex dolls sold online are about 1 meter long, usually dressed in school uniforms, and marketed in a sexually suggestive manner. ChildX Secretary General Malin Östensson said that the organization reported to the police about Amazon and other websites selling child sex dolls, and that public awareness efforts have prompted Amazon to remove information on such products.
When the Associated Press asked Amazon about the matter, Amazon responded that, other than what was previously told to other media, there was nothing more to share. Earlier media reports said the company would participate in the meeting on the 28th and had already removed some products from sale.