Xianyu denies media claims of hidden sex listings, saying 10 reported listings were reviewed, 9 removed, and the minor-related phrase appeared only on WeCom, not its platform.
Tags:China’s Biggest Second-Hand App Responds to Claims of Hidden Sex Listings
Xianyu, one of China’s largest second-hand marketplaces, has responded after media reports claimed that apparently ordinary service listings were being used to direct users toward sexual services.
The platform says several risky accounts and listings were removed. But it also disputes some of the most serious claims circulating online — including where an alleged phrase involving minors actually appeared.
What did the media investigation allege?
The investigation said some sellers advertised services such as a spa treatment, at-home model photography, personal training or swimming lessons, then encouraged interested users to continue the conversation through WeChat or WeCom.
In one reported example, a “swimming lesson” purchase allegedly delivered a video instructing the buyer to scan a QR code and join an external group. The group reportedly displayed women’s profile cards, requested a RMB99 “intention fee” to enter a local group, and later provided a price list that included alleged sexual services.
The report also claimed that one external customer-service profile used wording suggesting that minors were available, with the youngest allegedly 14 years old. These are claims from the media investigation; the report did not establish that the phrase or the later negotiations appeared inside Xianyu itself.
What happened to the 10 reported listings?
On September 21, Xianyu published a detailed response covering 10 listings shown in the reports.
The 10 listings examined
6 — already removed by routine checks
3 — removed after the report for suspected off-platform redirection
1 — found not to involve prohibited activity, but hidden because of inappropriate wording
According to Xianyu, six listings had already been identified as risky and removed before the reports. Three more listings were removed afterward because they were suspected of directing users to services outside the platform.
The remaining listing was found to be an anime-style image customization service rather than a prohibited service. Xianyu said its wording was inappropriate and hid it from public view.
The company said the three listings removed after publication did not display sexual content inside Xianyu. According to its account, the allegedly improper exchanges happened after contact moved to another platform.
Xianyu disputes the claim involving minors
One of the most serious allegations centered on a phrase reportedly suggesting that minors were available.
Xianyu said its investigation found that the phrase did not appear on a Xianyu product page, profile or private chat. It said the screenshot came from a WeCom profile added after communication had moved away from Xianyu.
The platform said it reviewed relevant listings and communications posted between August 10 and September 10, including massage vouchers, women’s clothing, at-home hair coloring and commemorative coins. It said it found no such phrase within its own platform.
Xianyu also said some listings described in the reports as “model photography” and “personal training” were actually ordinary anime-style image customization and fitness services. It argued that some legitimate listings had been wrongly interpreted as coded advertisements.
This is Xianyu’s account of its investigation. Its statement does not independently establish what may have happened after users moved to other services.
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Nearly 100,000 risk accounts frozen
What Xianyu says it did in 2026
98,358 risk accounts frozen
15 groups targeted with police cooperation
10 million+ listings reviewed
Xianyu said illegal operators often use ordinary-looking listings and constantly changing coded language before directing users to private chats. This can also cause legitimate services to be wrongly interpreted as coded advertisements.
Where does a platform’s responsibility end?
The controversy raises a question relevant to almost every large online marketplace: if the first contact happens on one platform but the actual conversation or transaction moves elsewhere, how much responsibility should the original platform carry?
For users, the case also shows why requests to leave a marketplace’s built-in messaging and payment system deserve extra caution. Once a conversation moves elsewhere, the original platform may no longer be able to review the messages or protect the transaction.
Should online marketplaces be responsible for what happens after users move to a private chat?
Sources: 澎湃新闻、新民晚报
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