Sex workers increasingly rely on specialised adult entertainment and advertising platforms to connect with clients, negotiate terms, receive payments, implement harm reduction strategies and find community support. Sex workers and sex worker-led organisations have long emphasised that these platforms shape their working practices, presenting both challenges and opportunities. By prioritising the lived experiences of sex workers, advocates in the sex workers’ rights movement call for platforms that are more inclusive of their needs and for an internet that aligns with their contextual realities.
On 22 November 2024, ESWA hosted the online event 'Rights in Focus: Sex Work, Safety and Online Advertising Platforms', where we launched the findings of our research following a panel discussion with sex workers. This research report explores how sex work advertising platforms can better safeguard sex workers’ health and safety while upholding their labour and human rights by centring their unique needs. The report is accompanied by a summary brief highlighting key recommendations for online advertising platforms, designed to support sex workers in their advocacy and campaigning efforts when engaging with these platforms.
Click the image below to access the full report. The summary brief can be found here!
We invite sex workers, sex workers' rights organisations, academics, journalists, and anyone connected to advertising platforms and developers to take action.
Together, let’s ensure these platforms prioritise the labour and human rights of sex workers and create safer, more inclusive digital spaces.
Here’s how you can help:
- Share ESWA’s report and summary recommendations with advertising platforms and their developers.
- Encourage these platforms to implement the changes outlined in the report to enhance safety, privacy and labour rights for sex workers.
- Help us disseminate our findings and recommendations on social media.
By amplifying these recommendations, you can play a critical role in fostering a fairer, safer online environment that benefits everyone.
Read, download and share ESWA’s report today and join us in creating meaningful change.
Watch the panel discussion and presentation on the research findings here!
