Information portal on the legal framework for sex work in Belgium

Platforms and advertising

Belgian law strictly regulates advertising for sexual services and imposes specific obligations on websites, platforms and agencies.

Quick access

1. Permitted advertising 2. Identity and age verification 3. Information and prevention 4. Protection against abuse 5. Specific rules for online platforms 6. Sanctions

1. Advertising for sexual services: what is permitted

An adult person may advertise their own sexual services only within the frameworks expressly provided for by law.

  • from a window located in premises designated for prostitution;
  • on a website or medium (newspaper, magazine) specifically dedicated to advertising for prostitution.
Advertising the sexual services of another person is prohibited unless all legal conditions applicable to agencies or operators are fully met.

2. Identity and age verification

Prior to publishing an advertisement, the website, platform or agency must verify that the person concerned is of legal age.

  • requesting an identity document (identity card, passport, etc.);
  • requesting a recent facial photograph, taken on the day of the request;
  • verifying the telephone number and, where possible, the email address.
The photograph taken for verification purposes may not be retained. It must be deleted once the verification has been completed.

3. Information and prevention

The website, platform or agency is required to provide relevant information to sex workers.

  • safety when meeting clients;
  • prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs);
  • training opportunities, safe working conditions or pathways for professional reorientation;
  • contact details for associations, trade unions and specialised support centres;
  • information intended for potential victims of human trafficking.

4. Protection against abuse and trafficking

  • Clearly displaying the contact details of the Belgian contact point for victims of human trafficking: www.stoptraitehumaine.be – +32 78 05 58 00.
  • Training staff to recognise indicators of abuse or trafficking.
  • Reporting without delay any suspicion of abuse or trafficking to the competent authorities.

5. Specific rules for online platforms

  • Providing a simple and clearly visible mechanism for reporting abuse or suspicious situations.
  • Allowing associations, trade unions and support centres to create accounts in order to inform and assist sex workers.
  • Optionally providing a space for peer exchange between sex workers (e.g. reporting violent clients, sharing safety advice).
  • Designating a contact point reachable by the police or judicial authorities and responding rapidly in emergency situations.
  • Retaining certain data (identity, account creation, payments) for three years after the end of the advertisement, solely for the purpose of assisting the police or judicial authorities in the event of an investigation.

6. Sanctions for non-compliance

Failure to comply with these rules may expose websites, platforms, agencies or employers to criminal sanctions.

  • imprisonment and fines;
  • specific penalties for breaches of rules relating to the protection of personal data.