Swedish OnlyFans Users Face Challenges as New Prostitution Law Takes Effect July 1

On July 1, a significant prostitution law in Sweden will be enacted, placing OnlyFans users in jeopardy of imprisonment. This legislation equates the act of purchasing online sexual services with soliciting a prostitute for sexual relations. Reactions are polarized; while some argue it curtails online prostitution, others deem it excessively punitive. “This is a contemporary form of sexual purchase, necessitating legislative modernization to encompass digital mediums,” stated Swedish MP Teresa Carvalho following the bill’s approval. The new statute prohibits compensating individuals for sexual activities conducted remotely, such as live-streamed performances. However, accessing pre-recorded adult content remains legal. Carvalho emphasized that the intent is to safeguard young and vulnerable individuals from exploitation, linking online activities to drug abuse and trafficking. The bill garnered bipartisan support and aligns with Sweden's existing laws against sex buying, which already lead to a year’s imprisonment.