SESTA/FOSTA and What to Do Next
Two bills have been recently passed as of March 21, 2018 under the guise of “war on sex trafficking” to help victims, but it does everything but so. SESTA/FOSTA directly targets platforms of sex work activity to deconstruct which includes, but is not limited to directories, blacklist sites, forums, social media, escort websites hosted in the US, and more.
Some domains have already taken immediate action due to the passing of these bills, such as CityVibe (US directory that is now unavailable) and certain “transactional and illicit” forums on Reddit—r/SexWorkers, r/Escorts, and r/Hookers. (Non-sex related subreddits like r/BeerTrade and r/DarkNetMarkets were also banned in suspicion of general solicitation due to new rules and regulations issued by Reddit.) It’s important to note that r/SexWorkers is not banned, but created private until the admin can absolve the matter without deleting the thread.
So far, there is a 90 day grace period from implementation (90 days after March 21) for websites to comply or face possible prosecution at selling or distributing sex at all and any context. Action can be taken anywhere between 90 days to 01/01/2019. It isn’t for certain what site will be next, or who will be targeted. However, this isn’t something to be completely afraid about, as sex work isn’t going anywhere, but the possibility of things becoming harder for all and some is very realistic. So what do you do next?
1. Switch to an encrypted email. The top two options are ProtonMail or SafeOffice. I recommend SafeOffice because they are also hosted offshore. You can also search for other encrypted email options that works for you best.
2. Browse your Internet using a VPN/TOR browser on all devices. This is for encryption while browsing , and most VPNs relocate your IP address or give a pseudo IP address + other advantages like data mining prevention. (A good VPN suffices, but the TOR browser is just an extra precaution. Mozilla Firefox has a form of TOR.)
3. Host your escort website offshore. This is extremely important. If they do indeed crack down on personal escort sites, it’s best to make sure your site is hosted elsewhere. This does not include having a website with Wix, GoDaddy, Dreamhost, etc, as they are US based. Research on web hosting offshore and what steps to take next.
4. Ideally a second phone. This isn’t a feasible option for all, but if you can afford a burner, do so. If not, a burner number linked to dead accounts while using a VPN will suffice.
5. Stop paying for ads using personal cards. There’s been an influx of Eros accounts being banned and shut down due to personal card use, as well as banks and card companies flagging users because of sex work related transactions.
a. Use the Privacy.com app. This generates burner cards = a new virtual card for every transaction. Think of it as buying a gift card, but it’s virtual. It’s anonymous and encrypted (just like a gift card, yay!), so you can use a fake name when making private purchases.
b. Use gift cards. Amex Bluebird and Visa gift cards are the most popular. (There’s rumor of MyVanilla Visa cards being not great for sex work but I’m not for certain.)
6. Stop using Facebook/allowing it to scrape your information. It’s going to link your information regardless, without your consent. This is especially dangerous in the sex work’s current climate. It’s best to make sure none of your accounts link to anything.
7. Clean up your ads and social media accounts. This includes sensitive wording like “escort”, any menu-esque language like “Greek”, “DATY”, “CBJ”, etc, and explicitly soliciting services. There’s no more being as bold as before. Not to say you can’t be raunchy, but no more being downright flagrant. (At least for your own safety. In regards to that, I do not know what this means for cam girls or dommes, as “bold” marketing is a popular trend/basis for content.)
That’s all the advice I can give as far as this goes. Even if this isn’t something to worry about as much as it is made out to be, the above steps should be taken regardless as an escort.
Another thing I’d like to point out is to get off vanilla dating apps for sex work, not only because of everything going on but just because.
Lastly, now is the best time to get into freestyling.
