FOSTA-SESTA
Updated:FOSTA-SESTA refers to two pieces of U.S. legislation: the Allow States and Victims to Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act (FOSTA) and the Stop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act (SESTA). Enacted in 2018, these laws were designed to combat online sex trafficking by making it easier to prosecute websites that knowingly facilitate or promote prostitution and sex trafficking.
The legislation amends Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which previously provided broad immunity to online platforms for content posted by their users. Under FOSTA-SESTA, websites can now be held liable for hosting content related to sex work, even if it's consensual and legal.
Additional Information
While intended to protect victims of sex trafficking, FOSTA-SESTA has been controversial. Critics argue that it has negatively impacted consensual sex workers by forcing them off online platforms they used for safety and screening clients. Some also contend that the law has made it harder for law enforcement to track and combat actual trafficking.
The implementation of FOSTA-SESTA has led to the shutdown or significant changes in various online platforms, including personals sections of classified websites and some social media content policies.
Examples
A dating website removing its "personals" section to avoid potential liability under FOSTA-SESTA.
Sex workers reporting increased difficulty in safely screening clients online due to FOSTA-SESTA restrictions.