Kerala's prostitution industry goes hi-tech

A new study has found that Kerala’s prostitution industry has become dependent on apps run on smartphones. The study conducted by the Kerala State AIDS Control Society (KSACS) in association with a number of NGOs has found that those engaged in the profession use WhatsApp to solicit business.

KSACS Project Director R Ramesh told IANS: “We constantly engage in working among these people and give them regular medical check-up for the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases.” Most women in the industry come from poverty-stricken families. Others are those who are part-time professionals and the third kind are those who want to lead a luxurious lifestyle.

In Kerala, there are currently 15,802 women and 11,707 male prostitutes. Among these, two women and 10 men have been identified as HIV positive.