Platforms, sex work and their interconnectedness

This paper examines the interconnectedness of sex work with the platform economy. It does this by mobilising two concepts from the platform economy literature: the platform stack (which captures the structure of platforms) and interpenetration (which describes the processes through which platforms intersect). Exploring the platforms stacks and interpenetration of platforms used by sex workers, the paper draws on a dataset of linked platforms used by 54 cam workers and documented observations of 55 different platforms. These platforms include those designed for sex workers as well as those with a more generalist function. In mapping this platform ecology, the paper highlights some of the opportunities, barriers and risks that platform interpenetration presents for sex workers.