Red Lights, Blind Spots: Sex Work and Stigma in Information Systems

Sex work remains one of the most stigmatized and marginalized professions globally, often subject to legal, social, and ethical challenges. Despite this, advancements in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) have led to significant changes in the ways sex workers conduct their professional activities, providing new opportunities for marketing, client interaction, financial transactions, and safety measures. However, these developments have not been widely explored within the field of Information Systems (IS) research. This paper addresses this gap by investigating the use of digital platforms among sex workers, focusing on how ICT impacts their professional activities, economic opportunities, and social networks. Through qualitative interviews with nine sex workers in Germany, conducted via Zoom to ensure privacy and security, the study highlights the ways in which digital tools shape their business strategies, risk management, and digital agency. The research also explores the institutional, legal, and societal barriers that prevent IS scholars from engaging in this subject. The paper contributes to IS research by advocating for a more inclusive approach, encouraging scholars to investigate the intersection of ICT and sex work, and to consider the role of technology in empowering marginalized communities.