The question of digital prostitution’s criminalization and decriminalization: International-legal experience

Abstract

Regulation of the digital sex industry is a topic of debate at both national and international levels. While there is an increasing interest in decriminalizing sex work, digital prostitution remains illegal in many countries. Therefore, it is crucial to analyze the international experience of criminalizing and decriminalizing digital prostitution, and to pay attention to the problematic issues that arise during this process. The objective of the study is to explore the international experience of criminalizing and decriminalizing digital prostitution, while the subject of the study is the social relations that emerge during this process. The research methodology employs various methods, including philosophical, logical, special-legal, system analysis, and formal-dogmatic methods. The research concludes that different countries treat the criminalization and decriminalization of digital prostitution differently. Sex workers in this industry advocate for decriminalization as it puts power directly in their hands and eliminates legal barriers. Countries that have decriminalized digital prostitution believe that sex work is legitimate work and should be treated with respect. However, countries have different models of criminalizing prostitution, including the legalization of digital prostitution with criminal liability for deviations from established state rules.