A report in The Guardian highlighted that stickers bearing slogans such as 'brb committing the sin of empathy'—which reflect anti-empathy and potentially far‐right messaging—are appearing on Etsy. This development raises concerns over the inadvertent use of Etsy’s platform for promoting dehumanizing, extremist ideologies.

Etsy detailed its corporate governance practices on its investor page, highlighting an independent Board Chair, fully independent board membership, robust risk management, and a commitment to human rights and equitable practices. The presentation outlines transparent policies including anti-harassment, anti-discrimination initiatives and comprehensive ESG disclosures, reflecting progressive corporate practices.

The OpenSecrets profile for Etsy Inc reveals that during the 2024 cycle, the company contributed $260,896 and spent $1,000,000 on lobbying. It also shows a notable revolving door phenomenon, with 8 out of 10 lobbyists in 2023 and 7 out of 9 in 2024 having previous government experience, raising concerns over undue influence on democratic processes.

Etsy CEO Josh Silverman announced a major overhaul of marketplace policies aimed at clearly differentiating authentic, handmade goods from mass-produced items. The new rules require products to be labeled based on whether they were made, designed, handpicked, or sourced by sellers, reaffirming Etsy’s commitment to preserving its artisanal roots in an increasingly commoditized market.

Etsy Inc. spent $910,000 on lobbying activities in 2023, as documented by OpenSecrets. This expenditure raises concerns about the influence of corporate money on public policy and the potential to sway political decisions in favor of corporate interests.

Etsy Inc was reported by OpenSecrets to have spent $910,000 on lobbying activities throughout 2023, indicating a significant corporate effort to influence political decision-making and potentially shape regulatory outcomes.

Faced with widespread seller complaints and political pressure, Etsy announced on August 2, 2023, that it would substantially decrease the amount of money withheld from seller accounts. This U-turn came after sellers reported that up to 75% of their earnings were frozen for extended periods, prompting both boycott calls and intervention from government officials.

Etsy sellers have initiated a call for strike and boycott of the platform after funds were withheld through a reserve system that froze up to 75% of their takings for up to 45 days. Sellers, including long-time artisans and small business owners, voiced concerns over the financial strain imposed by these reserves, prompting coordinated efforts on social media and discussions about moving to alternative platforms.

In July 2023, Etsy faced backlash after its reserve system, which holds up to 75% of sellers' earnings for extended periods with minimal notice, led to severe financial difficulties for small business owners, many of whom are women and minorities. Critics argue that this policy undermines seller stability and transparency.

Etsy joined 92 other companies in signing an amicus brief in support of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) to enshrine gender equality in the U.S. Constitution, reaffirming its commitment to equity for its employees and predominantly women-owned seller base.

A June 26, 2020 Ethical Consumer report criticizes Etsy for its failure to enforce robust supply chain oversight and supplier standards—highlighting risks of forced labor in cotton sourcing—as well as noting high executive compensation and indirect political influence through influential investors, thereby raising concerns about its corporate practices.