In 2005, APC began researching issues related to sexuality and the Internet, particularly in the context of content regulation and women's communication rights. EROTICS was developed in several countries to answer: How do the Internet and ICT policies influence the sexual practices of women living in different socio-political, economic and cultural contexts?
The complex nature of the topic requires research to be conducted in two directions: 1) virtual practices and the use of the Internet in given digital spaces, and how this influences notions of sexual rights in society at large; 2) the impact of regulatory policies and censorship practices on sexuality, health and sexual rights.
This is how in 2008 the Exploratory Research on Sexuality and the Internet (EROTICS) research was born, exploring intersection of sex work, abortion rights, queer rights issues and the internet. Phase I of EROTICS undertook in-depth research in Brazil, Lebanon, India, South Africa and the USA with marginalised sections of society who use the internet in the exercise of their sexual rights, including young women, transgender communities and lesbian queer activists. It took place from June 2008 to June 2011.