LONDON — Fashion magazine Elle UK is the latest mainstream publication to spotlight the potentially harmful consequences of the imminent implementation of “Porn Block” regulations, devised by the Tory government after a moral panic campaign stoked by both the conservative and progressive press.
“Next month the government will enforce age verification laws for online pornography — rendering the UK the first country to introduce age checks,” reads today’s Elle article. “The measures, however, pose a tangible threat to sex workers' income and safety.”
The piece, written by Rachel Thompson, bears the unambiguous title “How The New UK Porn Block Could Put Independent Sex Workers At Risk,” and focuses on cam models who rely on online platforms for survival and safety.
“Eve Adler is a webcam model — also known as a cam girl — and her job is about to get much harder,” reads the lead.
“’I’m quite honestly terrified,' Eve tells me. 'I have multiple chronic illnesses that make it impossible for me to work a standard job, and sex work is my sole income.’”
Several writers from the mainstream press have now condemned the age verification scheme, including some from The Guardian, a supposedly progressive publication which often lends its platform to SWEL (Sex Worker Exclusionary Liberal) writers who oppose the adult industry on dubious grounds.
Elle UK, an upscale fashion magazine, unequivocally spotlights not only the absurdities of the measures known as the Porn Block but also the toll it would take on the camming community throughout the realm:
“Eve is one of thousands of UK sex workers for whom a potentially dangerous future is looming on the horizon. Why? On 15 July, the government is planning to enforce robust age verification laws for online pornography — rendering the UK the first country in the world to introduce age checks. This may involve uploading a passport or driving licence to prove your age, or buying a 'porn pass' from a newsagent.”
Cautious adult industry webmasters are already taking steps to comply with the soon-to-be-enforced regulations and reputable cybersecurity companies such as AVSecure have developed solutions for them.
“For self-employed workers in the sex industry, the measures could pose a tangible threat to their income and safety. And the magnitude of this threat won’t be fully realised until the law comes into force.”
For the rest of the Elle UK article, click here.
