New laws aimed at improving internet safety have sparked worries among sex workers and advocates, who fear potential threats to the safety and livelihoods of those in the industry.
The Online Safety Bill, which became law in October, has prompted fears that it may force sex workers into more dangerous situations, including street-based prostitution.
Under the legislation, online platforms are required to remove content deemed to promote prostitution for profit, with significant fines looming for non-compliance. This has led to apprehension among sex workers that their online advertisements may be targeted and removed, thereby limiting their ability to screen clients and ensure their safety.
Audrey, a 29-year-old sex worker, shared her experience of feeling compelled to work in a brothel due to anxiety over the bill and the current cost of living crisis. This shift has exposed her to greater risks, including exploitation by pimps and the inability to vet clients online for safety.
Sex Worker Advocacy’s Crucial Role
Experts and campaigners have echoed Audrey’s concerns, emphasizing that pushing sex work underground poses serious dangers, including increased vulnerability to violence and exploitation. The legislation, they argue, could exacerbate existing risks faced by sex workers, particularly those working on the streets.
Labour MP Nadia Whittome, who has been a vocal supporter of sex workers’ rights, stressed the significance of evaluating the effect of the Online Safety Act on this underrepresented group and implementing the required adjustments to guarantee their safety.
Amidst mounting anxieties within the sex worker community, calls for the full decriminalization of sex work have grown louder. Campaigners argue that such a move is essential to safeguarding the rights and safety of sex workers and preventing further harm caused by restrictive legislation.
While the government asserts that the legislation aims to combat exploitation associated with prostitution, concerns persist about its potential unintended consequences on sex workers’ safety and autonomy.
As discussions surrounding the implementation of the bill continue, the voices of sex workers and their advocates remain critical in shaping policies that prioritize their well-being and rights.
or a specific category with our 
Comments are closed.