Xianyu Releases Investigation Results, Says No Obscene Content Involving Minors Found

Xianyu, a major Chinese second-hand e-commerce platform, released the results of its investigation on September 23 into recent reports concerning alleged illicit content and off-platform solicitation. The platform said that after conducting multiple rounds of comprehensive checks, it found no obscene information in publicly displayed content on Xianyu and no obscene content involving minors. It also said that some of the problematic chat screenshots cited in media reports were verified to have originated from other platforms rather than Xianyu.

The investigation follows recent media reports that raised concerns about alleged sexual solicitation activities linked to some sellers on the platform. The reports prompted public discussion about content moderation, platform responsibility and the protection of minors online. Xianyu said it took the matter seriously and launched investigations into the relevant products, sellers and suspected off-platform solicitation activities.

Regarding publicly displayed information, Xianyu said it maintains strict controls over content posted on the platform. Following the media reports, the company conducted multiple rounds of checks across the platform. According to the results released by Xianyu, investigators did not find obscene information in publicly displayed content, nor did they find obscene content involving minors.

The platform also addressed concerns surrounding private messages and off-platform solicitation. Xianyu said it uses technological measures to identify and block illegal keywords and prevent users from being redirected to external platforms for illegal activities. According to its investigation, some of the problematic conversations shown in media reports appeared to have taken place on other platforms rather than within Xianyu. The company said it had reported the relevant sellers, QR codes and chat records to the platforms involved.

At the same time, Xianyu acknowledged that it has a responsibility to address the use of its platform as an entry point for illegal activities. The company said it had reported the matter to police and transferred relevant information and materials to law enforcement. Xianyu said it would fully cooperate with the investigation and follow the results of the authorities' subsequent handling of the case.

Xianyu said it will continue strengthening its technological detection capabilities, increasing manual inspections and taking action against accounts and products involved in illegal or improper solicitation. The company also called for greater cooperation among internet platforms to establish mechanisms for combating cross-platform solicitation by illicit networks.

The incident has once again highlighted the challenges faced by online marketplaces in moderating private communications, preventing off-platform solicitation and protecting minors. While platforms can use automated systems and manual reviews to identify suspicious activities, cross-platform behavior presents additional challenges because interactions and transactions may move beyond the original platform.

Xianyu has now reported the relevant matter to police. Further developments will depend on subsequent investigations and any action taken by the relevant authorities.