The digital spread of obscene content is not solely dependent on technology; behind it operates a massive economic chain. When immorality is coupled with profit, it becomes a global industry. It is essential to understand the various aspects of this economic calculus. The entire turnover in this chain is so enormous that if such an amount were available to India, the police system could be modernized, and all schemes for women and child welfare could be fully implemented.
7.1 The Business of Immorality: Sources of Revenue
The business of indecent content is one of the world’s most profitable industries. The main sources of this revenue are paid subscriptions, advertisements, pay-per-view (payment for each viewing), and data sales.[1] When a user visits a free adult website, the personal information collected from them and their browsing data are sold to advertising companies. In addition, fees charged for premium content go directly to the platform owners. This business is so lucrative that many companies invest in this field despite legal and ethical risks. In short, this enormous economic structure is built on the commercialization of human lust.
7.2 Subscription Models: Selling Intimacy and Nudity
In the current era, platforms like OnlyFans have changed the definition of obscenity through subscription models. Here, a virtual ‘intimacy’ is created between creators and consumers. Users pay a fixed monthly amount to view private or nude images of their favorite creators. This model gives creators direct earnings, while the platform retains 20 to 50 percent as commission. By creating an illusion of intimacy and exclusivity, more money is extracted from consumers. As a result, nudity has become a commodity, priced according to demand and supply. This model constantly encourages creators to become more revealing and provocative, as their income cannot sustain otherwise.[2]
7.3 The Advertising Revenue Paradox
Many renowned brands claim they do not support unfit content, but due to the complex system of digital advertising (programmatic advertising), these brands often unknowingly fund such material. The advertising company is frequently unaware of exactly which website or video their ad appears on. The algorithm only looks at ‘traffic’ and ‘eyeballs’. Since obscene content receives tremendous traffic, it seems profitable for brands to advertise there.[3] Sometimes, smaller companies deliberately choose such platforms because advertising rates are lower and reach is higher. This paradox provides hidden strength to the economy of indecent content.
7.4 Influencer Economy and the Pressure to Be Provocative
In today’s social media influencer economy, there is immense pressure on creators to be provocative to survive. Increasing follower count is necessary to gain more sponsorships, and content on the borderline of obscenity quickly attracts followers. As a result, many influencers start with simple topics but gradually shift toward indecency to secure maximum brand deals. The ‘reach’ gained from provocative clothing or double-meaning dialogues provides them financial stability. In this way, brands and sponsors unknowingly force creators to lower their social and moral standards, as only numbers matter in the market.[4]
7.5 Black Market Economics: Sale of Stolen Content
Alongside the official business of obscenity, a large black market exists. This involves the illegal sale of stolen obscene material, leaked private videos, and banned content. Transactions for such material occur through mediums like Telegram and the dark web. Often, premium subscription content is stolen and sold cheaply in ‘pirated’ form. Additionally, large amounts of money are earned by selling non-consensual videos (revenge porn).[5] This black market is not only immoral but also connected to the criminal world. The sale of stolen material destroys the victim’s life and further strengthens the exploitative cycle of obscenity.
An important point in all these businesses is that online transfers are required to purchase subscriptions, leaving records in bank statements. When platforms pay creators, it is also done via online transfers, with records in statements. To prevent terrorism, certain bank accounts are often monitored and marked; the government can do the same in this case, but why is it not being done?
[1] Research and Markets, “Adult Entertainment Global Business Analysis Report 2024-2030 Growth of Subscription-based Models and Premium Content Sustains Revenue, Collaborations Enhance Market Visibility” Yahoo Market, Dt. 5.7.2025, available at: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/adult-entertainment-global-business-analysis-085000372.html, last visited on 7.12.2025
[2] Ajitesh Singh, “The OnlyFans Conundrum: Understanding the Intersection of Privacy, Morality, and Digital Expression in Indian Law”, International Journal of Law Management & Humanities [ISSN 2581-5369] Volume 7 Issue 6 2024
[3] Yuexin Wang, “The Regulation of Pop-up ads with Obscene Content”, Transactions on Social Science, Education and Humanities Research, ISSN: 2960-1770, eISSN: 2960-2262, Volume 12 LHPPR 2024
[4] Rahul Singh, “OBSCENITY AND MEDIA”, Indian Journal of Integrated Research in Law Volume II Issue IV, ISSN: 2583-0538
[5] “Handling Cases of Revenge Porn Standard Operating Procedures”, Unisef, September 2022
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