Adultwork: big changes

[Strawberry]

Here is a link to information provided by Adultwork on the proposed changes, and their timetable with important dates.

One proposal is to blur all written details to anyone who is not logged in, not age verified.

In the future punters may have to be age verified to access anything more than sensible photos and phone number (if displayed).

External Link/Members Only

[Rose_128]

It's gonna be harder for everyone. Many ladies don't want to show face so the body pics is what they rely on. I think they are going to be doing a bit of a sweep up until
25th and check every profile. I already mentioned you can't wear anything that resembles bondage outfits ( particularly black ), anything see through can be worn but has to be obvious you are wearing lingerie underneath. They also don't want you to be on the bed in lingerie . You can be on the sofa but not on the bed as that suggests you are about to have sex....

In fairness I don't believe they wanted to go ahead with this, but what choice is there. They can shut you down and then nobody will be able to work. This time I found them pleasant and courteous to deal with. In the old days some emails used to be rude but now their customer service is rather more professional. They don't want the girls out, but if they take an exception to something they will kindly let you know and partially disable your profile until fixed.

Many people don't want to pay for PG as they worry what will come out on the statement.

[MLawro93]

SPs will need to adjust their PGs, and perhaps make them cheap to get people to look. The trouble with anything is once you introduce an step or two to a human user, you are likely to lose them! Defo gonna see a loss of business for some due to all this change.

I think AWs sweep of profiles is being done by AI, as it doesn't make sense with some photos that are being removed whilst others are staying. I think once you get an actual human to assess your profile and content, it should be fine. Companies are also still figuring out how to apply these laws whilst staying compliant but offering functional service, so fully expect there to be many more hiccups until things settle down.

[Rose_128]

At least everyone is on the same boat kind of. I always find that over time things will adjust and at least all images have to be approved by them first so you know if you are in their good books or not.

 But if you aren't allowed to advertise bondage what about places like Fetlife and mistressing?

[Rose_128]

I always find that over time things will adjust and people will get used to it. At least everyone is on the same boat, kind of.

[advent2016]

At least everyone is on the same boat kind of. I always find that over time things will adjust and at least all images have to be approved by them first so you know if you are in their good books or not.

 But if you aren't allowed to advertise bondage what about places like Fetlife and mistressing?

They have similar in their blog about age verification and will hide everything behind a verified login. I'm sure he industry will get round this

[puntingking]

A better thing to do was to have the whole entire site behind the age verification   

[MLawro93]

A better thing to do was to have the whole entire site behind the age verification   

You'd potentially lose even more users. Unless they all decided to use a VPN or something.

[Lilywhite]

It's been variable for weeks, I would change some of my earlier post to;

It's not impossible to show shape, just have to learn what will be accepted. However has been misleading to have photos accepted as per new rules, to then have them wiped out.

It's really weird because I've seen a lot being rejected by AW from some people, but my current photo (a short dress and suspenders) got through their moderation? Who knows why, maybe they didn't actually find it sexy 
I did remove all free gallery pictures already luckily, but it makes you wonder- how much are they going to be making on private gallery sales!?

[WingCommander]

A better thing to do was to have the whole entire site behind the age verification

100% this.

But it would need age verification without leaving a trace, so credit card payment is not ideal. AW allow use of Yoti (3rd party age verification service), as mentioned above. Only the over 18 status is shared to AW. I would be ok with that, others may disagree.

It might also discourage punters from creating multiple throwaway profiles, which would surely be a good thing, from the SP's perspective at least.

[Strawberry]

It's really weird because I've seen a lot being rejected by AW from some people, but my current photo (a short dress and suspenders) got through their moderation? Who knows why, maybe they didn't actually find it sexy 
I did remove all free gallery pictures already luckily, but it makes you wonder- how much are they going to be making on private gallery sales!?

Do you know they've checked your profile yet?

[Rose_128]

Quite a few of my clients said they wouldn't verify with Aw because they worry the information may leak out. I trust their system is as secure as it can get but look at the whole thing with M&S. Cyber attacks could become more of a commonplace someday.

[puntingking]

100% this.

But it would need age verification without leaving a trace, so credit card payment is not ideal. AW allow use of Yoti (3rd party age verification service), as mentioned above. Only the over 18 status is shared to AW. I would be ok with that, others may disagree.

It might also discourage punters from creating multiple throwaway profiles, which would surely be a good thing, from the SP's perspective at least.

I have already been age verified. I can't remember how I got verified but I do sort of remember that it seemed simple to me.

[Rose_128]

It's really weird because I've seen a lot being rejected by AW from some people, but my current photo (a short dress and suspenders) got through their moderation? Who knows why, maybe they didn't actually find it sexy 
I did remove all free gallery pictures already luckily, but it makes you wonder- how much are they going to be making on private gallery sales!?

I think they are ok with that as long as you don't touch your crotch or try to lift your skirt. Basically anything that could give someone a semi or full on

[MLawro93]

I have already been age verified. I can't remember how I got verified but I do sort of remember that it seemed simple to me.

If you've ever used a credit card on AW, it automatically verifies you as 18+.

I've seen some profiles that have clearly had their galleries adjusted, but the movies section is untouched. A bit of an inconsistent approach at the moment.

The process of age verification can be painless and resistant to cyber attacks, just have a system like Yoti, which doesn't keep any logs (at least I think they don't), but verifies you are an adult, and then communicates that to AW. I think user confidence is the important thing, as people are rather cautious given the price of any exposure.

[puntingking]

I think they are ok with that as long as you don't touch your crotch or try to lift your skirt. Basically anything that could give someone a semi or full on

I get a full on just by the vibration movements of the London bus 

[Rose_128]

But you never know because I had an image accepted and then two weeks later I fell foul with them and they said they removed the image even though they accepted it first.  They don't want you to be lying in bed anymore or something.

[MLawro93]

But you never know because I had an image accepted and then two weeks later I fell foul with them and they said they removed the image even though they accepted it first.  They don't want you to be lying in bed anymore or something.

They have clearly forgotten what the site is primarily for. 

[LLPunting]

I won't be paying for PG access unless it's practically free to see a few representative shots, don't care about racier content, they can bung those in pricier separate folders.  AW will have to do a better job ensuring the photos are genuine too since I don't trust them to run refunds for b&s given their lack of success in stopping profile trading and swapping.

Would be best if all SPs were prepared to bung a few honest shots on a delete timer into their messaging app of choice (whatsapp, signal, telegram). Would also save on comms costs if they discussed booking within messaging app using data
via wifi to unlimited internet (their private main contract phone as hotspot or premises wifi) rather than sms.

[Lilywhite]

Do you know they've checked your profile yet?

I added the picture while the moderation was happening, so it was accepted.

[Lilywhite]

Would be best if all SPs were prepared to bung a few honest shots on a delete timer into their messaging app of choice (whatsapp, signal, telegram). Would also save on comms costs if they discussed booking within messaging app using data
via wifi to unlimited internet (their private main contract phone as hotspot or premises wifi) rather than sms.

We're not allowed to mention those messaging apps in an email unfortunately, I received a warning for saying "WhatsApp" from AW.

[Rose_128]

They definitely monitor the emails more, for at least a year now. If you mention any kind of number below 18 it will get flagged to them and they will have a look what it was related to. If you say I have 16 toys os dresses that's fine but they are looking for anything more taboo. TBH I agree with this because times have changed and they could get into trouble for this as a site. They have to cooperate more these days.

[Lilywhite]

They definitely monitor the emails more, for at least a year now. If you mention any kind of number below 18 it will get flagged to them and they will have a look what it was related to. If you say I have 16 toys os dresses that's fine but they are looking for anything more taboo. TBH I agree with this because times have changed and they could get into trouble for this as a site. They have to cooperate more these days.

Yeah, I think it's an autofilter because I've been caught out with saying "Childcare" or someone mentioning their "kid being ill", and it's an instant email telling you off. Totally agree with why, but also very easy to innocently forget.

[Cheltclient]

Yeah, I think it's an autofilter because I've been caught out with saying "Childcare" or someone mentioning their "kid being ill", and it's an instant email telling you off. Totally agree with why, but also very easy to innocently forget.

I had that. Can’t remember what I said but it was a while ago and said I couldn’t make a date with an SP because one of my children is visiting - something like that - and got a warning email warning me about inappropriate content.

I remember it was unpleasant but I didn’t worry as I hadn’t said anything dodgy so if they checked, they would have seen that.

[Rose_128]

I do believe a human checks every flag, and if there is nothing then you don't hear again, but if they think it's something serious they will now suspend/ban you from the site. They used to not get involved but the laws are more stricter and they don't want to get shut down. Even their customer service now is more professional than ever. I was quite surprised.

[puntingking]

Yeah, I think it's an autofilter because I've been caught out with saying "Childcare" or someone mentioning their "kid being ill", and it's an instant email telling you off. Totally agree with why, but also very easy to innocently forget.

I understand this, I did not know they did this until now but I welcome this. This is a massive step and a correct measure without affecting punters and sps alike.

My sceptical side of me is thinking they did this measure to convince lawmakers and the like that they are doing things to tackle abuse and human trafficking on the site. I just wish they did this out of the goodness of their heart rather than being forced to in some way by society. 

[Strawberry]

I understand this, I did not know they did this until now but I welcome this. This is a massive step and a correct measure without affecting punters and sps alike.

My sceptical side of me is thinking they did this measure to convince lawmakers and the like that they are doing things to tackle abuse and human trafficking on the site. I just wish they did this out of the goodness of their heart rather than being forced to in some way by society. 

Often it's the payment processors, Mastercard in particular.

[MLawro93]

I do believe a human checks every flag, and if there is nothing then you don't hear again, but if they think it's something serious they will now suspend/ban you from the site. They used to not get involved but the laws are more stricter and they don't want to get shut down. Even their customer service now is more professional than ever. I was quite surprised.

That would be an awful lot of flags, given how sensitive it is. They send the automatic message when it flags, I would assume a human manually checks your account when it flags more than a couple times.

[LLPunting]

We're not allowed to mention those messaging apps in an email unfortunately, I received a warning for saying "WhatsApp" from AW.

No need to mention in email, just suggest via sms (maybe after you've screened the caller) or otherwise accept contact thru one of them in lieu of email or sms?

Any SP I'm particularly interested in I check to see if their listed number is registered in WA, Signal or Telegram or Line if likely relevant, if they are I will first try by sms and if they reply in a friendly way I might then ask if we can swap to messaging app I found them in to continue there.

[HSG]

I've seen some of the pictures that are currently being rejected. I think it's going to be the biggest headache to try to get a compliant, yet enticing profile.

I tried to upload a picture which was completely normal and it still got rejected.
There will be loads if changes re that- personally not sure that it will work in Aw favour - at least not from the beginning- as ppl will be looking for more nudity elsewhere….

[Cheltclient]

I tried to upload a picture which was completely normal and it still got rejected.
There will be loads if changes re that- personally not sure that it will work in Aw favour - at least not from the beginning- as ppl will be looking for more nudity elsewhere….

I have sympathy. Especially around the impact on your profession. I can’t see this having any impact on underage access to porn but a big impact for an escorts business. Well done government.

I’ve seen lots of images disappearing. I did see one profile which must have got through the rules. Big cleanse of pictures but those that remained were the escorts in dresses - some figure hugging. Not sexually explicit but still sexy

[MLawro93]

I have sympathy. Especially around the impact on your profession. I can’t see this having any impact on underage access to porn but a big impact for an escorts business. Well done government.

I’ve seen lots of images disappearing. I did see one profile which must have got through the rules. Big cleanse of pictures but those that remained were the escorts in dresses - some figure hugging. Not sexually explicit but still sexy

The public reasons for enacting this law just takes advantage of the hysteria from the anti-porn brigade. It is all about further encroachment on our privacy in the UK. These fuckers wanna know everything about us for "reasons"   

Ultimately, sex workers are the sacrificial lamb, which is awful and the ones in charge don't give a shit. The filthy hypocrites that they are. 

[LLPunting]

Any ladies have the latest on how Vivastreet and other adult classifieds sites are handling this?

[Davey80]

100% this.

But it would need age verification without leaving a trace, so credit card payment is not ideal. AW allow use of Yoti (3rd party age verification service), as mentioned above. Only the over 18 status is shared to AW. I would be ok with that, others may disagree.

It might also discourage punters from creating multiple throwaway profiles, which would surely be a good thing, from the SP's perspective at least.

For many of us discretion is absolutely everything. We have an AW persona (in fact the whole punting persona) completely unrelated to real life and with little prospect of somehow “age verifying” it. I’’m about to go down the VPN route for other sites that are not UK based. Much harder for UK based sites like AW though.

[Blackpool Rock]

For many of us discretion is absolutely everything. We have an AW persona (in fact the whole punting persona) completely unrelated to real life and with little prospect of somehow “age verifying” it. I’’m about to go down the VPN route for other sites that are not UK based. Much harder for UK based sites like AW though.

I thought AW was hosted in Cyprus / similar 

[Rose_128]

I doubt any other sites will get away with more than AW. People won't be able to go elsewhere. The images could get reported to Ofcom and they will apparently slap you with a hefty fine or get a quick court Oder to get you shut down/suspended. To be honest as long as it can keep us on the site and keep the site going? Men will just have to get used to it.

I remember 6 months ago I was at my dentist and there was a father with two young kids. Maybe 5 or 7 two boys. When he went in he just handed over his phone to the boys and they immediately started fiddling with it. The receptionist offered a book but the father said they were alright....I can't imagine handling an iPhone as a 7 year old, I would just get a book. I would love my books. To me it's a sad era.

[Rose_128]

Btw. Has anyone noticed pop up TS advert on here still doesn't comply? Many explicit images. Wonder how they get away with it?

[MLawro93]

For many of us discretion is absolutely everything. We have an AW persona (in fact the whole punting persona) completely unrelated to real life and with little prospect of somehow “age verifying” it. I’’m about to go down the VPN route for other sites that are not UK based. Much harder for UK based sites like AW though.

VPN route is pretty good. Works really well, but more countries will slowly adopt this policy, which is a bit of a concern. With AW, we are basically screwed; there aren't many other alternatives for people who need absolute discretion.

[Strawberry]

Btw. Has anyone noticed pop up TS advert on here still doesn't comply? Many explicit images. Wonder how they get away with it?

Possibly because the deadline for compliance hasn't yet been reached, there are still many profiles on AW displaying explicit photos in public.

[Blackpool Rock]

Possibly because the deadline for compliance hasn't yet been reached, there are still many profiles on AW displaying explicit photos in public.

And VS looks the same as it ever was, wondering how it will pan out for them if they don't take any measures to clen up the images as VS have been heavily criticised (more so than AW) at various high level talks about how to protect girls and stop trafficking etc

I'm sure the authorities will be more than happy to cull VS and at the end of the day I don't see it being a big loss to punters either as it's full of B&S / Romanians etc, while it may be a pain for AW; girls and punters i'm thinking that long term this may well strengthen AW's already dominant position 

[MLawro93]

And VS looks the same as it ever was, wondering how it will pan out for them if they don't take any measures to clen up the images as VS have been heavily criticised (more so than AW) at various high level talks about how to protect girls and stop trafficking etc

I'm sure the authorities will be more than happy to cull VS and at the end of the day I don't see it being a big loss to punters either as it's full of B&S / Romanians etc, while it may be a pain for AW; girls and punters i'm thinking that long term this may well strengthen AW's already dominant position 

You'd think Vivastreet would conform with the changes quite quickly given escorting is a big chunk of their revenue. Bit of an odd one 

[Strawberry]

You'd think Vivastreet would conform with the changes quite quickly given escorting is a big chunk of their revenue. Bit of an odd one 

Perhaps VS will swoop in on 25th July with full age verification?

[Rose_128]

Possibly because the deadline for compliance hasn't yet been reached, there are still many profiles on AW displaying explicit photos in public.

Yes that's what I was thinking. A week to go now. But I guess it's easier to remove 4 images than thousands like Aw have to. I bet their staff are up 24/7 now purging and purging. As I said before to HSG, punters won't be able to go elsewhere as all sites advertising within the U.K. will have to comply.

Personally, I found it so much worse when a year ago they tried to implement the policy of all non U.K.  girls showing their face in their profile. That was quite devastating to many and luckily they quickly saw some sense and it died down. This way girls can still carry on working and at least be able put the naughtier images into their PG.

[MLawro93]

Perhaps VS will swoop in on 25th July with full age verification?

Perhaps, but what a way to piss your users off. Some fair warning would be expected. I know AWs implementation is not so great, but at least they let people know and appear to be doing something about it. In any case, we will see how it shakes out in the coming weeks.

[Davey80]

VPN route is pretty good. Works really well, but more countries will slowly adopt this policy, which is a bit of a concern. With AW, we are basically screwed; there aren't many other alternatives for people who need absolute discretion.

Shortly after I posted that I downloaded and installed NordVPN on the iPad - completely painless and only £46 for the first year then around £90PA (or the cost of one punt). I guess just paying the subscription is a form of verification in itself.

Really easy to switch on and off.  Will come in handy for iPlayer etc too when I’m abroad a few times a year. I routed into a few sites from “NL” with no issues. Hopefully sorted for 25th July!

Should have said AW is “for UK” rather than UK based.

[MLawro93]

Shortly after I posted that I downloaded and installed NordVPN on the iPad - completely painless and only £46 for the first year then around £90PA (or the cost of one punt). I guess just paying the subscription is a form of verification in itself.

Really easy to switch on and off.  Will come in handy for iPlayer etc too when I’m abroad a few times a year. I routed into a few sites from “NL” with no issues. Hopefully sorted for 25th July!

Should have said AW is “for UK” rather than UK based.

Decent VPN provider. Personally a fan of Mullvad, they don't keep any logs. 

The technical workaround for this restriction is so trivial. 

Only issue that remains is AW being possibly the sole business viable in this industry in the UK at least. Don't see any other way around it

[Joelawerence]

I could see that a lot of AW profiles in my HL have main profile pics missing. Is there some cleanup being done by the website that people are aware of?

[Doc Holliday]

I could see that a lot of AW profiles in my HL have main profile pics missing. Is there some cleanup being done by the website that people are aware of?

https://www.ukpunting.com/index.php?topic=430371.0

[Joelawerence]

https://www.ukpunting.com/index.php?topic=430371.0

Ah, thanks. Wasn’t aware till now.

[simon07]

Never actually looked at Aw private galleries.

What is the process, which card is best to use and what do you get for say £10?