LOS ANGELES — WOW Tech Group has announced that its We-Connect app, which allows its We-Vibe couples vibrators to be used wirelessly from anywhere in the world, has been removed from the Google Play Store.
In a statement released by WOW Tech today, We-Vibe reps shared that the app was determined by Google to be "sexually explicit and in violation of their policies."
"Although we disagree with the assessment, we are working with Google to get the We-Connect app restored as quickly as possible," the statement read.
While the We-Vibe team says they are working swiftly to resolve the issue with Google, they shared that the app's removal likely came as the result of a product image that was deemed by Google to be too explicit to be shared on their platform.
"We have removed the image and have resubmitted the app for approval," WOW Tech reps said. "We expect the We-Connect app to be restored and available on the Google Play Store within the next 48 hours. Should the app not be approved and restored by that time, we will provide an alternative app distribution option via our website."
The Google-WOW Tech dust-up is latest clash between Big Tech and the sexual wellness industry. As sextech companies continue to be denied access to various online platforms, blocked from the business opportunities presented by being a part of Google's ubiquitous network, it begs the question: to what end is this game being played?
While Google's policies explicitly restrict apps that feature "content or services intended to be sexually gratifying," lumped in with hate speech, bullying and "dangerous products," (i.e. guns), it could be argued that indeed, much of the purpose of utilizing the We-Connect app lies in the pursuit of sexual gratification.
However, like Dame Products and their fight against New York's MTA over discriminatory advertising policies, or Lora DiCarlo demanding their seat at last year's CES trade show, or the ongoing gripe with social media's prudish take on anything having to do with women's bodies, let alone sexual pleasure, the removal of the We-Connect app from Google Play is just the latest in a disappointing string of blows to an industry that is facing increasing pressure from Big Tech to take branded sex-positivity elsewhere.
As platforms ramp up their Terms of Service to exclude sexual wellness advocates, pleasure product companies, sex workers, or anyone dealing in the business of sex and pleasure, unfortunately companies and individuals alike are left with fewer and fewer options to cater to their customers.
