I too, have the impression that the government tries to limit the money made under the table, but, in a very hypocritical way. Moreover, what certain people ignore, it is that we are many to pay taxes, but has to make up the reality by saying that our income is from translation, consultation or other autonomous work.
The world changes, and not only the right way. Does one day androids will replace escorts ? Maybe, but I doubt that a machine can replace the human needs. Sex workers have a legendary strength of resillience and adaptation. There is a time where Montreal had a chic red light on the streetscene, Not so long ago, escorts advertise in newspapers. Internet changed things ; more competition, and the marketing took a much bigger place.
But I have the impression that the beautiful years are behind us. I understand that some people have concerns with the fact that backpage was not appropriate, because accessible to children. On the other hand, i'm afraid that things fall over, and work on the dark web in a few years. What would raise many problems about safety.