PSA: Hidden Cameras & Airbnb Is Using Facial Recognition
I don’t know if this has been posted already on Tumblr but just in case it hasn’t been if you are a provider or plan to become one, you should know that there are clients out there that are attempting to record sex workers with hidden cameras and that Airbnb is using facial recognition software in an attempt to ban sex workers from using their properties.
There is currently a thread going around both SW Twitter and Reddit about the hidden cameras. You can read about it HERE.
You can read about Airbnb and their facial recognition system in this Twitter thread: HERE.
If you read through the Airbnb thread you’ll find that there is also (supposedly) an actual BAN LIST with the names of sex workers on them.
I strongly encourage everyone to read both threads (they’re not that long) and to follow at least ONE SW source, whether it’s Twitter, a Reddit group, or a forum like Stripperweb. Try to stay informed as best as you can.
Here are some safety tips:
For the facial recognition software:
Do NOT MIX your SW persona with your vanilla life. Keep everything separate. Separate phones, separate email addresses, separate LAPTOPS/Tablets (if you have the money to do so). Don’t mix anything EVER.
The same thing goes with your SW pictures/videos. I know it can be tempting to post some of the photos on your vanilla Instagram or Twitter or other social media But DON”T. Everything is recorded, everything is saved. Everything is cached. Spare yourself the future grief and keep everything separate.
And if you can - blur/censor your face or other visibly identifying information such as tattoos or birthmarks.
the best piece of advice I can give is to make everyone shower at the beginning of their appointment. That way the client has to get undressed and you or the client can put ALL of their belongings into a drawer, closet, small laundry basket, storage cube, etc. or have them leave their belongings in the bathroom. This includes glasses, watches, jewelry.. etc. EVERYTHING. Some of the most common hidden cameras are the ones that are in GLASSES. Remember that we live in an age where hidden cameras can be placed in BUTTONS so rather safe than sorry.
You can also purchase hidden camera detectors. I believe there are a few mentioned in the Twitter thread but if not, you can do a Google search or watch a few Youtube videos and get an idea of the most recommended ones. There are also apps available but IMO if you have the budget for it, get an actual, physical detector as well.
Look for odd wifi names. Lots of hidden cameras come equipped with wifi. They could be named anything but 2 of the most common signs are either wifi names that have the word “cam” in them (like accucam, iMoticam, etc) or names that are really long but are just jibberish (like Jds54uhi34ui23OT23dfsd3434). And when in doubt, Google it.
Host in your territory. I know everyone may not be able to do this but if you can it limits the places a client can hide a camera. If you have your own personal incall great, or if you use airbnb/hotel/motel as your outcalls, book the room yourself (if you can). And also, do a scan of the room before the client arrives. Both hotels and Airbnb hosts have been known to place hidden cameras in their rooms/apartments/etc.
If you’re not hosting in your personal space (for example maybe it’s the client’s hotel room), excuse yourself to the bathroom and do a check for hidden cameras via an app. Also try to look for anything that “looks out of place” - smartphones that are sitting UPRIGHT, alarm clocks or other objects like a laptop that are pointed right AT YOU OR THE BED.
And of course SCREEN. SCREEN. SCREEN. SCREEN.
And one last thing: Please do not blacklist other providers because of this. Some people are just simply not aware or don’t realize to look for things like this and unfortunately the creepy ass client may end up with a good review when/if you do a reference check. But please don’t put this on the other provider. Just add him to the blacklist and then inform the providers that he used as references.
Stay safe everyone!
