Why Laws Meant to Protect Sex Workers Often Fail Them

In this episode, we dive into the complex world of sex work regulation, examining the "prohibition paradox" where laws intended to protect often lead to increased isolation and violence. We compare the Nordic model’s focus on criminalizing buyers with the bureaucratic hurdles of full legalization in Germany and the labor-focused approach of decriminalization. Using Israel’s recent legislative shift as a primary case study, we analyze how these different frameworks fundamentally change the power dynamics between workers, clients, and the state. From the migration of markets to encrypted apps like Telegram to the loss of vital "vibe checks" during transactions, we explore the unintended consequences of trying to regulate one of the world's most controversial industries. Join us as we unpack the global landscape of these legal architectures and ask whether they actually stop exploitation or simply push it further into the shadows where it becomes harder to monitor and regulate.