LinkedIn has made it clear that sex workers are not welcome on its website.
The popular social networking website for professionals, which offers people a platform for making career connections, has put a ban on members who use the site to promote escort or prostitution services, even if the profession is legal in the region that they live in.
The 200 million member global network updated its privacy policy and user agreement Monday to state that it explicitly forbids escorts from using the site to get clients. LinkedIn explains in its new user agreement: "Even if it is legal where you are located, [do not] create profiles or provide content that promotes escort services or prostitution."
Though LinkedIn has always prohibited "unlawful" profiles, this change in its user agreement directly states that prostitution is prohibited since it is legal in some parts of the world.
Oddly enough, the user agreement will affect a number of escorts who used the site to actually meet clients. With a quick search, you will see that there are many "escorts" and professionals who offer "nude massage." A search for the term "escort" reveals that there are thousands of legitimate results.
Members are also allowed to list "prostitution" as a skill, which people can chose to endorse. However, it's worth noting that many of the people who list "prostitution" in their skill set are working to combat prostitution and human trafficking.
Along with "prostitution," LinkedIn may also want to take a second look at the list of other unsavory skills that it allows people to add to their profiles including "rape," "shoplifting," "gangs," "manslaughter," and "drug trafficking."
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