The Legitimization of Customized Sex Robots in the Age of COVID-19

The sale of sex dolls and sex robots (“sexbots”) has escalated due to COVID-19, as retailers are cashing in on lockdown conditions to encourage the use and purchase of their products. This paper explores how the manufacturing and sale of sexbots raises a host of legal and policy issues, including but not limited to options for customization – especially as some users prefer their sexbots to look like acquaintances, notable figures or even children. Whilst several legal systems are yet to contemplate the legitimization of sexbots, and beyond moralistic and neo-luddist reactions to them, the using, owning and/or customizing a sexbot could be legitimate, and in some instances perhaps supported. However, the production of these sexbots with customers’ associated preferences may create tortious liabilities, and/or infringe on intellectual property and human rights. This paper briefly explores some of the normative claims for why customized sexbots should be legitimized or restricted.