Sweden, often cited as a model in the fight against prostitution, could soon enter a new era of repression against sex workers. The government is proposing to ban the purchase of remote sexual services, such as webcam performances, personalized videos, or OnlyFans content. Unsurprisingly, the idea is divisive.
Banning digital sex work, but why?
For sex workers, this proposal is seen as a direct attack on their activity. It could lead to the partial or total loss of their income, in a market where digital sexual services have become commonplace. More than just a financial issue, the ban on telesex work could endanger the people primarily involved. For many, online sex work offers a much safer environment than traditional prostitution. A paradigm shift could accelerate the return of more traditional prostitution, where sex workers are exposed to very real physical risks.
If the law passes, some are considering leaving Sweden to continue their activities abroad. Because that is the very limit of this bill. It will be difficult for the country to ban online prostitution if platforms located outside its borders are not subject to the same regulations.
And what do we do in France?
In France, the Nordic model has already been in place since 2016: paying for physical sexual services is illegal, with fines of up to €3,750 for repeat offenders. But digital remains a grey area. If Sweden were to adopt this legislative extension, it could inspire similar debates here.
Still, the French law on prostitution already has its detractors. Many denounce its perverse effects: precariousness of sex workers, more dangerous working conditions, and increased marginalization. Extending these bans to the digital sector could exacerbate these problems and push creators towards unregulated or illegal platforms. There also remains the question of the economic impact. If giants like OnlyFans decided to block French creators to avoid any legal risks, this could deprive them of an important source of income. A situation that risks putting even more pressure on an already fragile sector.
The puzzle of digital sex work
The Swedish proposal raises a real question: where do we draw the line between sexual exploitation and individual freedom? Digital services take place without physical contact and are often perceived as a safer alternative by those who practice them. But their criminalization could reinforce the stigma surrounding sex work and limit the economic opportunities of creators.
For abolitionist activists, this is a necessary step forward in the fight against sexual exploitation in all its forms. For others, it is an unjustified intrusion into a space where many sex workers have found independence and security. On the issue of sex work, Sweden has often been a legislative laboratory for other European countries. If this law passes, it could influence the debate in France and elsewhere.
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