Sex industry

The sex industry comprises businesses and services that sell sexual entertainment, materials, or services, including pornography, prostitution, and striptease.

Prostitution: The exchange of sexual services for payment or other material benefit. A major service sector within the sex industry, shaped by varied laws and working conditions.
Pornographic film production: The creation of films depicting sexual activity for commercial or noncommercial distribution. It shows how performers, producers, and distributors coordinate one part of the industry.
Decriminalization of sex work: The removal of criminal penalties for consensual adult sex work and related activities. It contrasts with systems that criminalize workers, clients, or third parties.
Occupational health and safety: Policies and practices that prevent work-related injury, illness, and unsafe conditions. Workers’ safety depends on venue conditions, client practices, and access to protection.
Pornography: Media depicting sexual activity or nudity, commonly produced for sexual arousal. A large media sector that sells sexual material through studios, platforms, and distribution.
Adult content subscription platform: An online service where creators offer content to subscribers, often for recurring payment. Subscription platforms let creators distribute sexual media directly to paying audiences.
Legalization of prostitution: A policy approach that permits prostitution under specific laws, licensing, or regulatory controls. It regulates prostitution as a permitted sector rather than broadly removing criminal penalties.
HIV prevention: Interventions that reduce the transmission of human immunodeficiency virus. Public-health programs address HIV risk without treating sex work itself as a disease.
Striptease: A performance in which a performer removes clothing, typically for an audience’s entertainment. Live erotic entertainment is sold in clubs and other venues.
Payment processor: A company or service that handles electronic payment transactions between buyers and sellers. Processors can restrict sexual businesses’ access to ordinary online commerce.