Sex Work Influencers Raise Concerns Over online Safety BillS Potential to Silence Voices & Impact Data Access
CANBERRA – Sex work advocates are voicing alarm over Australia‘s impending online pornography ban for minors, warning teh legislation could inadvertently censor vital information adn further marginalize sex workers, notably as young people are increasingly exposed to explicit content via social media. The ban, set to be implemented in two phases beginning December 2025 and concluding in March 2026, will require adults to provide age verification to access pornography.
The concerns center on the potential for overbroad application of the rules by tech platforms, leading to the suppression of legitimate content related to sexual health, sex work, and advocacy. Mish Pony, a prominent voice in the sex worker community, highlights a pre-existing issue of tech companies incorrectly flagging sexual health promotion materials as adult content.
“We already know that tech platforms, social media sites, Google incorrectly flag sexual health promotion materials as adult content,” Pony stated. they further expressed fears that discussions around sex work, even non-explicit ones, could be “shadowbanned or subjected to age verification.”
this potential silencing of sex worker voices is seen as particularly dangerous, creating an “information vacuum” for both young people and adults. Advocates argue that access to information directly from sex workers is crucial for harm reduction, safe practices, and destigmatization.
The new regulations come amid growing concern over the proliferation of explicit content targeting young girls on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. While the legislation aims to protect minors, sex work influencers worry the broad scope of the ban and the lack of transparency surrounding its implementation will have unintended consequences, hindering access to crucial information and further isolating a vulnerable community.
The rollout of the ban and its ultimate impact remain to be seen.
