Platform-mediated visibility of exploitation indicators: A cross-platform analysis of AdultWork (UK) and CallEscort (US).

Abstract

Online commercial sex platforms have become key environments in which potential indicators relevant to technology-facilitated sexual exploitation (TFSE) and technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) may be observed. Current language models and computational approaches to identifying potential exploitation often assume that behavioural indicators (e.g., geographical mobility, pricing, and other linguistic markers) are easily accessible and comparable across online spaces and jurisdictions. This study challenges this assumption by showing that platform design largely shapes the variables and indicators that can be observed in these spaces. Drawing on a large-scale dataset of 1.9 million profiles (after cleaning) from two major online commercial-sex platforms, AdultWork (United Kingdom) and CallEscort (United States), the research examines how potential exploitation-related indicators may be identified and interpreted across platform architectures. Through cross-platform mapping, significant misalignments in data visibility and comparability were highlighted for demographic characteristics, mobility data, and services offered. To address comparability challenges, the study introduces a platform-mediated visibility framework to explain how platform design shapes the visibility, interpretation, and comparability of potential indicators relevant to TFSE and TFGBV. The framework provides a methodological basis for interpreting exploitation-related indicators across different platform architectures and underscores the value of platform-aware approaches to safeguarding and prevention. In collaboration with US and UK law enforcement and Non-Governmental Oranization (NGO) partners, the study advocates for proactive and tailored prevention strategies that account for platform architecture while recognising that coordinated activity and potential indicators do not, in isolation, establish exploitation, trafficking or criminal behaviour.