Consumer watchdog groups in Morocco are raising concerns over a surge in what they describe as “disguised prostitution” being promoted on social media through advertisements for certain massage parlors.
The groups say the ads, often targeted directly at men, use provocative language and imagery that suggest the businesses are offering more than just massages. In some cases, parlors previously identified in these promotions have been caught operating as fronts for illegal sexual services.
Although authorities have raided several such establishments in recent years, campaigners argue that enforcement needs to go further, by targeting the ads themselves.
“These ads raise serious suspicions about offering disguised prostitution, which poses a double threat, to consumers and to our community values,” said Ali Chtour, head of the Moroccan Association for Consumer Rights, in comments to Hespress Ar.
Chtour noted that Morocco’s consumer protection law prohibits false or misleading advertising in all formats, including digital platforms, and imposes heavy fines for violators. However, he said the law is not being properly enforced online.
“The problem is expanding because these ads are broadcast widely without any form of prior screening. They reach all kinds of audiences,” he said. “We need serious monitoring and public awareness campaigns to help people distinguish between legitimate services and harmful content.”
Madani Drouz, a civil society advocate and head of the group With Consumers, echoed those concerns. While he acknowledged that many massage centers provide real health and wellness services, he warned that deceptive advertisements are tarnishing the entire industry’s reputation.
“Some of these centers exploit vulnerable women and push them into illegal acts,” Drouz said. “We can’t paint all businesses with the same brush, but the questionable ones must be stopped.”
He also cautioned that such ads, many featuring sexually suggestive images, could be used as tools of blackmail or human trafficking.
Both Drouz and Chtour urged the public to remain vigilant, verify the source of online advertisements, and report any suspicious content to authorities in order to protect themselves and others.
They also called on regulators to strengthen oversight of social media platforms where these ads frequently appear, warning that failure to act could erode trust in digital commerce and services.
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