Online visibility and digital privacy practices of the sex workers in Bangladesh

Abstract

The sex workers in the Global South make up a significant portion of the global sex industry. Despite this, there is a noticeable gap in the relevant HCI literature that focuses on sex work and computing, particularly in understanding the experiences and circumstances of sex workers in this region. This study seeks to address this gap by conducting a three-month-long ethnographic study with 25 legal sex workers from the Daulatdia brothel in Bangladesh. In addition, we carried out semi-structured interviews with five urban sex workers to further enrich our understanding. The findings from this research shed light on the multifaceted challenges these workers face, including the pervasive stigma they encounter, their limited technological literacy, and the emerging threats posed by online security vulnerabilities. At the same time, the study also highlights the unique skills and creativity these workers employ to navigate and overcome these challenges. Building on existing literature in South Asian feminism, postcolonial computing, and critical urban studies, we show how these findings are deeply interwoven with the historical and cultural fabric of Bangladesh. Through our discussion, we contribute to advancing critical HCI’s discourse on sexuality, privacy, and equity. Additionally, we propose implications for design practices and policy changes that could better address the needs and realities of these communities.