I've been researching the shutdown of sex workers accounts by Google for the last couple of days, and here's what appears to be happening.
Google is shutting down accounts that use Google drive to distribute porn. This means if you're using Google drive and setting up shares for customers to access your content, you need to stop.
Stick your content on a service designed to do what you need like @projectmaenad instead. Yeah, it's not free, but they won't shut down your account.
The rumors about them turning in full service sex workers are completely unverified, however Google is legally allowed to hand over your data to the police whenever they wish, or LEA can purchase your data from them like any other customer.
With #sesta and #fosta coming, google might be under pressure to crack down on consensual sex workers. This applies to both regular accounts and Google suites accounts. Best to have a back up email with a service like protonmail and link it to important services (like Twitter) "
Again, do not store your content on google drive. This is a violation of their TOS and they may delete your account without warning. Some people get warnings, some do not. Unfortunately you gotta pay to distribute your stuff like everyone else. No shortcuts or freebies.
If anyone hears anything more on google deleting sex workers accounts or working with LEA, and they have proof (even anecdotal evidence) feel free to contact me because I'm trying to distribute the info that sex workers need to keep themselves safe.
To reiterate, at this moment, all that's confirmed is that Google is deleting accounts that are being used to distribute content via Google drive. Everything else, at this time, is unverified. This isn't a new practice of Google, but they seem to be cracking down right now.
Also, it's generally not a good idea to accept google gift cards from clients because if they dispute the charge or report the card stolen, it can make you unable to claim cards in the future.
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As much as I can be a bit of a social media bull in a China shop, my most effective activism involves off the record chats at a tea shop in Mt Pleasant. I like to meet folks, in person, and tell them my concerns and listen to their stories.
Your presence can be so powerful. Being there, in person, talking to someone and looking them in the eyes, it's worth 50 emails.
It also allows companies and nonprofits to look like the good guys. It allows them to take ownership of positive change, and sometimes they might mention you, but not always. Regardless, people like to be able to be seen as the good guys.