As the sex worker community is forced to become more and more aware of how to make use of Bitcoin, the growth in a relationship between sex work and cryptocurrencies is unavoidable.
In July of 2015 anti-sex trafficking activist forced credit card merchants Visa and MasterCard to no longer allow the popular classifieds ads site Backpage to make use of their services. After a brief promotion which allowed users to post ads for free, Bitcoin became the only option for sex workers who depend on the site to promote their business. Many misconceptions may make it hard to entertain the thought of allowing prostitution to be something openly advertised or even accepted as an actual line of work. What the general population doesn’t know is that there’s a pretty undeniable truth that is overlooked about allowing sex workers and the clients they entertain to easily find one another. Websites such as TOR (the erotic review), Eros and ECCIE actually require providers to become verified before allowing them to access their boards. This means that anyone who wishes to advertise has to provide proof of their age, identity and must be deemed safe in order to appear on any advertisements on the site.
A matter of accountability.
Unlike Backpage, websites like those mentioned above are doing more to end the real issues. On these escort/client targeted websites providers are reviewed by the clients, also known as "hobbyist" who wish to leave a review and offer a recommendation. What that does is creates a way to add accountability. If you aren't sure why accountability matters, think of it this way.
· When you link name, most likely a “handle” or username to someone's advertised services you now hold sex workers accountable for their conduct and professionalism by threatening their reputation as a trustworthy provider. If that reputation is damaged, they will get less clients and in turn lose business.
This also simultaneously allows providers able to hold the men who see them accountable for their actions. How?
· Many sex workers found on these sites require screening which includes up to five references, this means few will ever consider taking a client who has been known for getting out of line. It also means that in the rare event that this happens, they are quickly removed and a post in the alert section will easily allow others to know that the person is a potential danger.
I’m not saying you should get online and find a hooker or start setting up an account as a sex worker to make a difference. No one should ever do things that they aren’t willing to do freely and there is no need for anyone to change their stance on anything.
All it takes to make a difference is for one to become willing to learn the facts and determine the reality before assuming the media has it all figured out.
