Italy’s latest move to classify professions under its national statistics system has drawn sharp reactions after a new code covering sex work and related services was introduced.
The updated classification includes both legal and criminal elements, prompting questions about its purpose and impact.
The change came with updates to the ATECO code system, used by Italian authorities to track professional activities for tasks like tax filings and business registration. The new code lists a range of “personal service activities,” which now include escorts and those offering or organizing sexual services, as well as agencies that manage prostitution events or premises.
The inclusion of such activities has caused confusion and criticism. While sex work itself is not illegal in Italy, associated acts like pimping and managing prostitution rings are against the law. The updated classification, therefore, contains both lawful and unlawful activities, leading many to question how it will be implemented and enforced.
Politicians from across the spectrum have voiced their views. Some lawmakers have asked for clarification in parliament, warning that the move could create a loophole for criminal networks. They argue it risks making sex workers more vulnerable to trafficking and exploitation, especially since many parts of the Italian sex trade are influenced by organized crime.
On the other hand, some members of the government see the classification as a practical step. Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini praised the update as a sign of progress, suggesting it brings more clarity and legal structure to an area that has long operated in a legal grey zone.
The National Institute of Statistics, the agency responsible for the classification, explained that the update was made to align Italy’s system with that of the European Union. In countries like Germany and the Netherlands, sex work is regulated and taxed, and EU standards require member states to include comparable categories for statistical purposes. Istat clarified that in Italy, the classification only applies to legal activities conducted by registered operators, not criminal enterprises.
Despite these assurances, the move has triggered a larger conversation about how sex work is viewed and regulated in Italy. Critics fear the bureaucratic recognition could be misused, while supporters argue it may offer a path toward better regulation and protection for those involved.
As the debate continues, many are watching to see whether the new code will lead to policy changes or legal reforms. For now, the controversy reflects Italy’s ongoing struggle to balance regulation, public safety, and the complex realities of the sex trade.