Former chief prosecutor and senior politicians are cautioning that new laws aimed at enhancing internet safety could inadvertently endanger the lives of sex workers by pushing them into street-based prostitution, raising alarms about potential unintended consequences of the legislation.
The Online Safety Bill, enacted in October, has sparked concerns among advocates who fear it could prompt the removal of online adverts posted by sex workers, thereby compelling them to seek riskier alternatives. Under the law, advertising platforms are compelled to remove content deemed to promote prostitution for monetary gain, with penalties for non-compliance looming over platform operators.
Audrey*, a 29-year-old sex worker, revealed that apprehensions surrounding the bill, combined with the economic strain of rising living costs, have compelled her to work in a brothel where she faces heightened risks due to the absence of online client screening and the presence of a controlling pimp.
Nazir Afzal, the former chief crown prosecutor for North West England, emphasized the imperative of safeguarding sex workers, underscoring that policies should prioritize protection rather than moral judgment. He cautioned that measures pushing sex workers into more perilous circumstances should be avoided, noting that restricting online contact could drive them into clandestine and vulnerable situations ripe for exploitation and abuse.
While the Online Safety Bill has been enacted, its practical implementation remains under scrutiny, with UK communications regulator Ofcom currently soliciting feedback on initial codes of practice for online platforms and engaging with representatives from the Sex Workers’ Union to navigate the law's rollout.
Audrey highlighted the heightened risks faced by street-based sex workers, citing increased vulnerability to harassment or violence from clients or law enforcement. She lamented the coercive impact of the legislation, which has compelled many of her colleagues to seek refuge in brothels out of fear of online advertising platforms being shut down.
Niki Adams, spokesperson for the English Collective of Prostitutes, echoed concerns about the bill's potential repercussions, citing the vital role of online advertising in enabling sex workers to screen clients and mitigate risks. She cautioned against the legislation's vague language and its chilling effect on sex workers' ability to share safety information, stressing the need for clear definitions and safeguards.
Labour MP Nadia Whittome emphasized the importance of reviewing the Online Safety Act's impact on sex workers and implementing necessary changes to protect them from harm, echoing calls for a comprehensive assessment of the legislation's consequences.
Despite government assurances that the law aims to combat exploitation while preserving lawful activities, apprehensions persist among sex workers, who fear the looming threat posed by the legislation.
Ofcom assured that they are mindful of the need to ensure sex workers can operate safely online and are actively considering these concerns in their guidance on implementing the new laws.