Sex workers are fighting to own their likenesses in an AI world

Summary: Sex workers in Nevada are facing a modern problem: artificial intelligence and digital rights. At Sheri's Ranch, a legal brothel, management tried to make workers sign a contract giving the business forever-rights to their images and videos.

Since the pandemic, many workers have used sites like OnlyFans to make money. However, this comes with the heavy stress of running a 24/7 social media brand. Now, workers worry that giving up their image rights means their faces could be used in AI-generated deepfakes or sold without their permission long after they leave the industry.

To fight back, workers are trying to form a union. They want the power to reject unfair contracts and protect their digital identities, much like Hollywood actors did during their recent strike against AI. So far, seven women have been fired for supporting the union, but they continue to fight for the right to own their own likeness.

For more details, see Salon at salon.com/2026/03/23/sex-workers-are-fighting-to-own-their-likenesses-in-an-ai-world-partner/ (opens in new tab)