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As Romania's economy struggles, the country has become the world's unofficial sex-cam capital. Its high internet speeds, low employment and poverty rate make it an ideal location for cam-model studios - and some claim 40 per cent of the global industry is based here. But the business is largely unregulated, and accusations of sexual exploitation are common.
For many, it's a desperate measure to survive. Lana, 31, took up webcamming in her early twenties after graduating and working as a real estate agent until the economic crisis hit. She now works for a major sex-cam company, LiveJasmin, and spends up to eight hours a day in front of the camera. She says she makes about 4,000 euros (£3,600) a month, which is 10 times the average wage in Romania.
But, in the same breath, she rejects the idea that it's "risky or psychologically damaging" work. Her clients pay from $2 to $10 a minute for private, erotic shows. They can also talk and ask advice about life, love or anything that's bothering them.
LiveJasmin's Boroghina insists the industry is legitimate and, despite claims by some that Romania is a primary source of sex trafficking in Europe, it's difficult to verify models' identities in person because of strict privacy laws. She also points out that the studio avoids clients from Romania in case they know any of the girls and try to meet them in person.
Many women say they are forced into the industry. Oana, 28, was forced into sex-camming as a teenager when she fell in love with her sex-camming boyfriend. She is now an advocate of sex-work prevention, and campaigns to stop young women entering the industry.
But the push factors are many and varied. One is Romania's notoriously high teen pregnancy rate. Another is the country's poor job market - 30% of those who graduate from university can't find a full-time job. But for the pushers, money is king. For more details please visit Camgirls Romania
Those who can afford to do so are provided with everything they need to work online - from luxury rooms and clothes, to the latest technology such as virtual reality cameras and professional lighting. It's a level of support most young people don't have at home.
While some do take up the profession for financial reasons, others want to give back to their communities. Those with the money to spare can fund schools, medical treatments and even start businesses that will help the local economy.
While some camgirls do travel to visit their clients, the majority remain based in Romania. They're able to attract clients from around the world by offering them a unique, intimate experience. It's this that has endeared them to viewers, and helped them achieve global recognition. However, just like any other industry, there's a risk for fraud and scams. Verifying an individual sooner rather than later can save you time, money and heartache.