Montreal is a vibrant metropolis for a variety of reasons. An inclusive student-friendly hub, it is a city dripping with opportunity and possibility; rich with talent and pizzazz. But underneath the surface, not everything is as progressive and free as it seems. One community, in particular, continues to face backlash for seeking validation as a paying profession. In the midst of an ongoing pandemic, sex workers in Montreal are struggling to make a dime from the safety of their homes due to online censorship policies, which prevent them from selling their services.
Receiving sexual services in exchange for money is a criminal offence according to the bill, and those convicted may be sentenced anywhere between 18 months and five years in prison. Online publishers and administrators who run platforms and websites containing content that advertises the exchange of sexual services for money can also be charged for advertising sexual services.
This is enforceable if the publishers and online administrators are aware of the content up for sale on their digital platforms. Elizabeth Weisz has worked in the sex industry for nearly five years in both Montreal and Ottawa. As someone who relies heavily on platforms like Twitter and Instagram for branding purposes and advertising, her business has suffered immensely due to online censorship.
Now, if I post nude-coloured lingerie, I can be shadowbanned for up to a week, making me invisible to my followers.
Weisz gave a recent example, where her Twitter account got locked after she uploaded an image of her lying in bed while wearing a thong. According to her, four of her colleagues lost their Twitter accountsβtwo of whom cannot reopen new ones. One was even forced to change their name and rebrand entirely. Examples of third parties websites include hosting sites, like Zoom, Skype and OnlyFansβwhich have become increasingly popular.
