Let’s be real: app-controlled sex toys are a game-changer. That long-distance partner controlling your vibes from across the country? The custom patterns you can sync to your favorite song? It’s the future of pleasure, and it’s awesome. But as our toys get smarter, we need to get smarter, too. Because behind all that Bluetooth-powered fun lies a risk that’s decidedly un-sexy: data security.
Adrian Gonzalez, the Editorial Director at the community-powered review platform ToyChats.com, just dropped some crucial advice in a recent feature for Future of Sex, and it’s the wake-up call we all need.
“Sex Toy Apps Aren’t Immune to Data Breaches”
In the article, titled “Securing Sextech: The Importance of Keeping Your Private Life – Private,” Gonzalez doesn’t mince words. He lays out a stark reality for journalist Ralph Greco, Jr., reminding everyone that our connected pleasure can have consequences if we’re not careful.
“I hate to admit it, but sex toy apps aren’t immune to data breaches,” Gonzalez stated.
This isn’t just fear-mongering. The sextech industry has seen its share of security scandals. Remember the headlines? From toys found to be recording audio to apps collecting deeply personal usage data without clear consent, the risks are well-documented by outlets like Wired and TechCrunch. The convenience of these devices sometimes comes at a hidden cost to our privacy.
Gonzalez offered a simple but vital piece of advice to protect yourself:
“It goes without saying, but make sure you’re on a private network when you’re using a sex toy app. You’re putting yourself and any virtual partners at risk if you’re using somebody else’s WiFi or a public network.”
In a Rush to Pleasure, Don’t Forget Privacy
We live in an era of instant gratification. With “frictionless shopping” and next-day delivery, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of a new purchase and blaze through the setup process. But clicking “agree” without reading the terms of service for a sex toy app is a lot different than doing it for a pizza delivery app.
This is where platforms like ToyChats are trying to shift the conversation. Founded in 2024, the California-based startup isn’t another retailer pushing products. Instead, it’s building a transparent, user-driven community for honest reviews and open dialogue. With nearly 500 reviews from real users and over 100 brand partners, their goal is to empower consumers to make informed decisions before they buy.
By operating on ad and affiliate revenue instead of direct sales, ToyChats keeps the focus on authenticity. It’s a space designed for genuine experiences, where users can post anonymously and filter content to their comfort level, ensuring the conversation is as safe as the products should be.
Take Back Control of Your Data
The rise of creator-owned platforms and community-focused spaces shows a clear trend: people are tired of being treated like data points. We want connection and authenticity, especially when it comes to something as personal as our sexuality.
Ultimately, securing your private life comes down to a partnership between the companies making these toys and you, the person using them. While brands have a responsibility to build secure products, Gonzalez emphasizes that our own digital habits are the first line of defense.
So next time you’re ready to connect your new toy, take a breath. Check your WiFi, glance at the privacy policy, and remember that the smartest sex toy is one that’s used by a smart, informed owner.
