How and Why Etsy Scans and Reviews Messages

When you use the Messages feature on Etsy, we scan and may review the messages you send and receive (including metadata) for various purposes. In some jurisdictions, we do this with your consent, and in other areas (such as the EEA and UK) we do this in reliance on our legitimate interests, contractual necessity, and other appropriate legal bases.

Learn more in our Privacy Policy.

What are the specific reasons for scanning messages?

We generally scan and review messages to:

• Detect and address risks to our community and potential violations of our policies, including harassment, shilling, review manipulation, and content violations (including child sexual abuse material risks)
• Detect and prevent spam and scams, including attempts to direct buyers offsite to complete a transaction outside of Etsy
• Collect message-related analytics, user experience data, and similar information where permitted by applicable law
• Provide users with support

How does Etsy scan and review messages?

To review the messages you send and receive in Messages, we use automated tools and similar technologies to scan and filter the content and metadata associated with your messages, including attachments. In some cases, we block messages.

Occasionally, we review messages manually. This most often happens when a buyer asks for help with an order or when we receive a report of harassment, illegality, or other misconduct.

Will you share information from my messages?

While we use third-party companies, vendors, and technologies to help us scan messages, we generally do not share message information outside of Etsy. The exception is when we receive a valid law enforcement request, or when disclosure is required or allowed under applicable law.

What are my rights related to my message data?

Depending on your location, you may have rights relating to your personal data (including message content), including the right to object to certain processing activities.

The right to object is not always absolute and in some jurisdictions (such as the EEA and UK) Etsy may have compelling grounds to continue processing your data for certain purposes (for example, to prevent violations of our policies). For more information on your rights, please see our Privacy Policy.

You can download your Etsy data to see the information that is stored in your Etsy account. Learn how to download your Etsy data.