Models Reveal Recruitment Tactics in Colombia's Webcam Industry

Several young women from Colombia recount how they were lured into the sexcam industry during their teenage years, facing coercion, exploitation, and shocking working conditions. Despite the industry's lucrative promises, many faced harsh realities that included low pay and emotional trauma.

The sexcam industry in Colombia is under scrutiny as a growing number of models reveal the alarming tactics employed to recruit young women still in school. Reports have surfaced of teenage girls being targeted right outside their classrooms, prompting an urgent discussion about the ethics and legality of these recruitment practices.

One such model, Isabella, began her journey at just 17 years old after being handed a leaflet on her way home from school. The lure of easy money was irresistible, especially as a single mother needing to support her child. Her quest for financial security led her to a small webcam studio in Bogotá, where she quickly found herself in a precarious position. With minimal guidance and no formal contract, Isabella was expected to perform for a live audience, even streaming from her school during class hours.

The webcam industry has seen exponential growth, with an estimated 1.3 billion monthly views in 2025, particularly in Colombia, which reportedly has the highest number of webcam models and studios globally. However, this booming sector raises concerns about the vulnerability of its workers, many of whom lack the necessary resources to work independently at home.

One prevalent issue is that studios often use deceitful tactics to sidestep laws prohibiting the employment of minors. Underage models have recounted experiences where studios provided them with fake identities or recycled accounts from older performers to bypass age verification protocols established by major streaming platforms like BongaCams and Chaturbate.

Keiny, another model, echoed similar sentiments, admitting that while she enjoys her work, there are customers who request inappropriate scenarios that exploit their youth. Like many models, she began working to alleviate her family's financial burdens, unaware of the psychological toll it would take.

Despite the industry's promises, reality often paints a grim picture. Female performers report extreme exploitation, with studios taking up to 50% of viewer fees, leaving models with meager earnings after long hours of work. For some, the stress of managing streaming commitments alongside personal responsibilities has proven overwhelming, leading to accusations of coercion and unreasonable demands.

The Colombian government is responding to these concerns, with President Gustavo Petro labeling studio owners as "slave masters" who prey on vulnerable individuals. A potential shift in labor laws could introduce stricter regulations as the industry grapples with persistent allegations of abuse and underage employment.

Victims like Isabella are now coming forward to expose their experiences, filing complaints against studios for exploitation and economic abuse, while expressing their fears over the permanence of their online presence. Their stories highlight the urgent need for regulatory reforms and better protections for individuals in the sexcam industry, particularly minors.