CentroU Study Notes $260M Yearly Loss to Sex Workers Due to Social Media Censorship

CentroU Study Notes $260M Yearly Loss to Sex Workers Due to Social Media Censorship

LOS ANGELES — Centro University (CentroU) is noting the results of a recent internal study that sought to quantify the cost to sex workers of censorship by platforms like Twitter and Instagram.

"The CentroU study estimates that account closures cost independent adult content creators $259 million globally in 2020, and that a sex worker whose Twitter or Instagram account was shutdown experienced an average loss of $30,350," noted a rep.

"About half (46%) of the adult influencers surveyed by CentroU had had one or more of their Twitter or Instagram accounts shut down in the past year. And nearly one in 10 (8.7%) suffered the closure of both," the rep continued. "In most cases, the influencers say they could not identify where they’d violated the terms of service, and were given no opportunity to correct or appeal."

By speaking with adult influencers and "incorporating broader internal metrics on fan retention, lifetime value and social acquisition," the study was able to predict a 60% decline in income of an adult influencer in the months following an account closure.

Further, the study found it took at least 36 months, on average, for a sex worker to recover from the loss of income from one banned account; recovery rates vary depending on the size of the social following, name recognition and "the existence of parallel communities on other platforms."

"By applying this model industrywide, and factoring in related social risks like shadowbans and temporary lockouts, the study estimates that social media censorship costs sex workers nearly $260 million dollars a year — and likely much more," said the rep.

FanCentro VP Kat Revenga noted that "social media censorship isn’t some theoretical issue for adult influencers, it robs them of huge amounts of income."

"The majority of adult influencers are small business owners who use the income to pay rent and put food on the table, and the arbitrary closure of an account can be devastating, depriving them of tens of thousands of dollars," she said.

"These platforms need to realize that an adult influencer who loses their account suffers years of financial damage,” Revenga continued. “We were conservative in our estimates, looking only at the effect on one platform and anticipating fairly steady regrowth. In reality, many sex workers struggle to rebuild their audiences after a ban, and many give up entirely rather than risk a future de-platforming."

"Social media has enabled a new generation of independent adult influencers to thrive, and to own what they produce, but the true power rests with the social media companies," she concluded. "Their arbitrary and discriminatory enforcement is costing an already marginalized population hundreds of millions of dollars a year."

Visit the FanCentro blog for additional details and follow the platform on Twitter for updates.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Clips4Sale Reports 30% Increase in MILF Content Sales

Clips4Sale has released data showing a 30% increase in sales for MILF content on its platform.

Ryan Keely Fronts Latest From New Sensations

Ryan Keely stars with Victor Cruz in the latest release from New Sensations.

Zariah Aura Stars in Latest From Transfixed

Zariah Aura stars with Kenna James in the latest release from Transfixed, titled "Feeling Her Way."

Brittney Kade Fronts 'Couples Loving Trans 2' From GenderX

Brittney Kade stars with Adira Allure and Sage Roux in the second volume of GenderX Films' "Couples Loving Trans," directed by Jim Powers.

Eve Sweet Stars Makes Her Brazzers Debut

Eve Sweet has made her Brazzers debut alongside Xander Corvus in “Horny Gymnast.”

Penny Barber: The Fit Mommy Domme Reveals Her Auteur Side

When Penny Barber took home the 2025 XMAs trophy for MILF Performer of the Year, she was 39 — but she’d already been telling people she was a MILF for almost 20 years.

Summer Starz Makes Her WIFEY Debut

Creator Summer Starz has made her debut for Vixen Media Group (VMG) studio imprint WIFEY alongside her husband Dean Darkhole and Sheem.

Jewelz Blu Stars in Latest From Ricky's Room

Jewelz Blu stars with Mazee the Goat and site honcho Ricky Johnson in the latest release from Ricky’s Room, titled “Two Inside Of Jewelz Blu.”

Adult Time Releases New Installment of 'MILF Overload'

Adult Time has released the latest installment of director Jim Powers' series "MILF Overload."

River Lynn Toplines Pat Myne's 'Phat Ass for Days'

River Lynn headlines director Pat Myne's latest release, "Phat Ass for Days," from Evil Angel.

Show More