Subscribe now

Technology

Online sex advertising crackdown could endanger women

Escort sites are being shut down, but how will this affect the sex industry?

By Wendy Zukerman

23 November 2011

New Scientist. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.

Will the closure of escort sites make sex workers less safe?

(Image: Justin Jin/PANOS)

WHEN Natalie Reign was a sex worker she had a Twitter account, website, personal forum and mailing list. “I was a bit of a tech geek,” she says.

Reign, a pseudonym, is typical of many sex workers nowadays, who have turned to the internet to advertise their services. And it’s not just the workers. TheEroticReview.com allows clients to review their experience with a sex worker, and receives up to a million visitors every month in the US alone.

Online or not, the sale of sex services…

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox. We'll also keep you up to date with New Scientist events and special offers.

Sign up

To continue reading, subscribe today with our introductory offers

Piano Exit Overlay Banner Mobile Piano Exit Overlay Banner Desktop