Watch The Secret World of Trading Nudes

The Secret World of Trading Nudes is a fascinating and eye-opening documentary series from BBC Select starring Monika Plaha. This series goes behind the scenes of the booming market for nude images and videos of individuals, which are traded and sold on a vast scale online. Through interviews with people who have directly experienced the industry, as well as insiders who work to combat it, Plaha pulls back the curtain on this hidden world of digital sexual exploitation.

Plaha approaches the subject with a sensitivity and insight that allows the viewer to fully grasp the scale and impact that this market has on the lives of those involved. She explores the ways in which these images and videos are created, and the emotional toll that they can take on the people in them. This includes stories of people who have been pressured, coerced or even tricked into creating these images and videos, as well as those who do so voluntarily but then have to deal with the consequences of them being shared without their consent.

Throughout the series, Plaha meets with individuals who have experienced the often-devastating effects of these images being leaked or traded. She speaks with those who have lost jobs, lost partners, and faced harassment as a result of their images or videos being made public. One of the strengths of the series is how it highlights the human cost of this industry, and the ways in which it can impact on individual lives in profound and challenging ways.

In addition to hearing from people who have been directly affected by the trading of nude images and videos, The Secret World of Trading Nudes also features interviews with experts and authorities who are working to combat the industry. Plaha speaks with those on the front lines of this battle, exploring the legal and technological tools that are being used to try to shut down the trade in these materials. She also delves into the murky world of the dark web, where much of the trade takes place.

Another key aspect of the series is its exploration of the gendered dynamics of the trading of nude images and videos. Plaha interviews women who have been targeted by this industry, as well as people who are working to understand the particular ways in which women's bodies are objectified and exploited through it. She also explores the ways in which sexism and misogyny can be fueling the demand for these materials.

Throughout the series, Plaha maintains a compassionate and empathetic perspective, while also being unflinching in her portrayal of the realities of this industry. She encourages viewers to engage with the subject in a nuanced and thoughtful way, acknowledging the complexities and challenges of tackling a wide-ranging and largely invisible trade.

Overall, The Secret World of Trading Nudes is a powerful and thought-provoking series that shines a light on a little-discussed aspect of internet society. It offers informative and often-heartbreaking insights into the lives of those who have been affected by this industry, while also raising awareness about the work that is being done to try to combat it. With its careful research and engaging storytelling, this is a series that will stay with viewers long after the final credits have rolled.