Newspaper group bans ads for 'adult services' to tackle sex trafficking
- added July 24, 2008
- 3 responses
-
-
-
-
- LindseyIndigo
- added this
-
-
- related topics
-
- News and Politics (38260)
- Politics (26658)
- News (20490)
- Sex and Love (4610)
- Sex (1451)
- Women (1363)
- Law (1231)
- Journalism (372)
- Magazines (161)
- Prostitution (151)
- Newspapers (72)
- Press (68)
- Sex Trade (14)
- Sex Trafficking (14)
One of the largest newspaper publishers in the UK has banned advertisements for "adult services" from its titles - almost 300 publications, including 17 dailies and websites.
Newsquest South London has "taken a decision no longer to publish adult services advertisements, either in print or on its websites. Increasing concerns regarding the appalling issue of human trafficking have been significant in this decision, which is effective immediately."
Newsquest's head office would not elaborate on the decision or the possible impact on advertising revenue, but campaign groups have welcomed the move. Members of the Croydon Community Against Trafficking posed as punters answering ads. In a Society Guardian report last year, it revealed that 84% of women being sold for sex were from overseas, most of them trafficked.
About time or an overreaction? Whose responsibility is it to police how and where adult companies can advertise their services? What impact will this have on the company's revenues? Does anyone actually buy newspapers or magazines *just* for the sex ads? Will other publishers be persuaded to follow suit? And what real impact will this have on tackling sex trafficking?
Newsquest South London has "taken a decision no longer to publish adult services advertisements, either in print or on its websites. Increasing concerns regarding the appalling issue of human trafficking have been significant in this decision, which is effective immediately."
Newsquest's head office would not elaborate on the decision or the possible impact on advertising revenue, but campaign groups have welcomed the move. Members of the Croydon Community Against Trafficking posed as punters answering ads. In a Society Guardian report last year, it revealed that 84% of women being sold for sex were from overseas, most of them trafficked.
About time or an overreaction? Whose responsibility is it to police how and where adult companies can advertise their services? What impact will this have on the company's revenues? Does anyone actually buy newspapers or magazines *just* for the sex ads? Will other publishers be persuaded to follow suit? And what real impact will this have on tackling sex trafficking?
-
-
-
-
- LindseyIndigo
- 2 months ago
-
I don't think it'll have that much of an impact on the sex trade, if people wanna advertise their 'services' they'll just find somewhere else to do it. Check out any phonebox in central London... -
People will always find ways to advertise sex work just as potential customers will always find means of accessing those services. Nevertheless, it is a positive gesture to ban these ads, which shows that the publishers are at least aware of the problem.
-
-
-
-
- JanaPokana
- 2 months ago
-
-
I'm not sure how effective it'll be, but I definitely support the idea. Many women in developing countries all around the world are tricked and told they can get a well-paying job abroad, only to have their passports taken and suddenly find themselves as sex slaves. Human trafficking is really messed up and it's a prevalent issue that seems to go unnoticed. So I'm glad people are addressing it. I heard Craigslist was getting some shit for that too.
Of course the problem is some bad apples are spoiling it for the rest. There are some legit prostitutes that should be able to advertise if they want. But if they're only 16% then, well, tough shit.
Login/Registration is required to add a response.
