How the Adult Industry is Responding to Rising Censorship​

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The adult industry is facing significant challenges in response to rising censorship, which has been driven by increasing regulation, platform policies, and societal shifts. Creators, producers, and platforms within the adult sector are actively seeking ways to adapt, often taking a multi-faceted approach to mitigate the impact. Here is an in-depth look at how the adult industry is responding:

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1. Platform Shifts and Decentralisation

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• Migration to Independent Platforms: Due to increasing content restrictions, many adult creators and companies have moved away from mainstream platforms (like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok). These platforms have imposed stricter rules on adult content, often resulting in account bans or shadowbanning. As a result, creators are flocking to more adult-friendly platforms, such as OnlyFans, ManyVids, FanCentro, and JustForFans. These sites offer more freedom of expression and direct monetisation options.

• Decentralised Alternatives: Some adult creators are exploring decentralised content distribution methods, like blockchain-based platforms. These platforms offer greater security, censorship resistance, and the possibility of earning cryptocurrency, reducing reliance on traditional payment processors that might block adult transactions.

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2. Shift to Subscription-Based Models

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• Paywall Systems: As censorship increases on free platforms, many creators are turning to subscription-based models to generate income. This trend not only ensures more control over their content but also gives them a direct connection to their audience, creating a more sustainable income source.

• Fan-Supported Revenue: Adult content creators are also leveraging sites like Patreon and directly engaging with their fans through subscription-based models. These allow for more personalised content while minimising the risk of censorship that might happen on mainstream social media platforms.

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3. Diversifying Content

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• Niche and Custom Content: To sidestep censorship or algorithmic suppression, some adult content creators have shifted focus toward highly niche markets and custom requests. By diversifying their content and catering to specific communities or fetishes, they can carve out unique spaces where censorship is less of an issue.

• Non-Explicit Content: Some adult creators have responded to the rise in censorship by offering non-explicit content that focuses on sensuality or sexuality in more subtle ways. This approach allows creators to skirt around stricter censorship policies while still catering to their audiences' needs. For example, creators may offer tutorials, sensual ASMR content, or erotic storytelling, which may not be as heavily regulated.

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4. Advocacy and Legal Challenges

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• Legal Action Against Censorship: The adult industry has been increasingly vocal in its opposition to censorship, particularly when it comes to the enforcement of laws like FOSTA-SESTA (Allow States and Victims to Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act and Stop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act). These laws, designed to target human trafficking, have resulted in broader, blanket censorship across the internet and disproportionately affected legitimate adult content creators. As a result, the industry has been pushing for legal reforms to ensure content creators’ rights to free expression are protected while also holding bad actors accountable.

• Lobbying for Policy Changes: Industry associations like The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) have actively lobbied for more reasonable regulations that protect adult creators' freedom of speech. These organisations work to ensure that adult creators aren't unfairly targeted or silenced under the guise of fighting exploitation.

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5. Increased Use of Technology

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• AI and Deepfake Content: Some creators have turned to artificial intelligence and deepfake technology as a means to bypass censorship. While this technology presents significant ethical concerns, especially when used without consent, it also provides a way for creators to create personalised, hyper-realistic content. However, this also comes with risks, as it could face its own set of legal and ethical restrictions as the technology matures.

• Encryption and Privacy Protection: Adult creators are investing in better privacy and encryption tools to ensure that their content is secure and that their personal information is not compromised. Tools like VPNS, encrypted video streaming, and secure payment systems are becoming more standard in the industry to maintain creator safety amid rising censorship threats.

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6. Educating and Empowering Creators

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• Creator Education: As censorship becomes more widespread, educational resources and communities have sprung up to help adult creators navigate these challenges. Programs are being developed to help creators understand platform policies, protect their intellectual property, and take control of their financial independence through tools like direct payment options (e.g., cryptocurrency, payment processors that are friendly to adult content).

• Solidarity and Collaboration: The adult industry has also seen a rise in solidarity among creators. Many adult performers are joining forces to promote each other’s work, create collaborative content, and amplify each other’s voices. These collaborative efforts help strengthen their collective bargaining power and raise awareness about the ongoing struggles related to censorship.

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7. Public Perception and Normalisation

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• Shifting Public Narratives: Despite the rise of censorship, the adult industry has seen an increasing shift in public perception. As society becomes more open to discussions of sexuality, there has been a push to normalise adult content as a form of self-expression, much like any other form of media. This shift is helping to reduce stigma and provide more support for the industry, even in the face of rising censorship.

• Focus on Mental Health and Well-being: Some adult creators are focusing more on their mental health and well-being in response to the pressures of censorship. They emphasise open conversations about body positivity, sexual autonomy, and the importance of safe, consensual content production. In turn, they hope to foster a healthier, more accepting environment for creators and consumers alike.

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8. International Variation in Censorship

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• Geographic Adaptation: The degree of censorship varies greatly depending on geography. For example, countries like the U.S., the U.K., and many European nations have stricter regulations surrounding adult content, while places like Germany, the Netherlands, and several parts of South America are more permissive. As a result, some adult creators are targeting international markets that are more tolerant of explicit content to maintain revenue streams.

• Self-Regulation and Content Control: In some regions, adult content platforms have been pre-emptively adjusting their content guidelines to comply with local censorship laws. This self-regulation can sometimes result in the over-policing of content, leading to a chilling effect where creators are unsure about the types of content they can post without facing repercussions.

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Conclusion: Adapting to a Changing Landscape

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In response to increasing censorship, the adult industry is evolving by embracing new technologies, platforms, and legal strategies while working to protect creators' rights and diversify their revenue streams. The key to this adaptation lies in innovation and community support, and while challenges remain, the industry's resilience suggests it will continue to thrive even in the face of increasing regulation.

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Editor & Photographer

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Struthers

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Eugene Struthers