Sweden is once again leading the charge in protecting women and girls from sexual exploitation, this time by extending its pioneering Nordic Model—which criminalised the buying of sex back in 1999—to the digital realm.
From July 1, 2025, it will be illegal in Sweden to pay for live or custom sexual content online—such as that offered on platforms like OnlyFans—treating such transactions as equivalent to purchasing sex in person, which is punishable by up to one year in prison. Viewing or buying pre-recorded content will still be legal.
“As I recommended in my report on prostitution and [violence against women and girls], States must adopt a standard approach to online and off-line prostitution. #Sweden just did!” – Reem Alsalem, UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls
This legislative move is a necessary and timely response to the evolving nature of the sex industry, which increasingly exploits digital platforms to commodify women's bodies. By targeting the demand side—those who pay for live, interactive sexual acts—Sweden reaffirms its commitment to reducing exploitation and trafficking, recognising that the digital shift has not diminished the harms inherent in the sex trade.
“This is a new form of sex purchase, and it’s high time we modernise the legislation to include digital platforms.” -Social Democrat MP Teresa Carvalho
Critics argue that criminalising buyers of digital sexual content may harm creators’ livelihoods, or push the industry underground, increasing risks for those involved. However, this perspective overlooks the core issue: the inherent violence, exploitation and dehumanisation within the sex industry, regardless of the medium. As Women's Forum Australia has consistently highlighted, legalisation or normalisation of prostitution—digital or otherwise—fails to address the systemic inequalities and coercive circumstances that drive many women into the industry.
The Swedish approach aligns with the understanding that prostitution is rarely a free choice made in a vacuum. Economic hardship, past trauma, and lack of alternatives often underpin women's involvement in the sex trade. By criminalising the purchase of sex and now digital sexual acts, Sweden shifts the focus onto those who perpetuate demand, thereby challenging the societal norms that commodify women's bodies.
Moreover, the new law addresses the growing concern of children's exposure to explicit content online. By restricting access to live, interactive sexual material, Sweden takes a proactive step in safeguarding young people from harmful influences and potential grooming.
Women's Forum Australia commends Sweden's stance against all forms of sexual exploitation. This legislation serves as a model for other nations grappling with the challenges posed by the digital sex industry. It underscores the importance of policies that prioritise the dignity and safety of women and girls, challenging the pervasive narrative that ‘working’ in the sex industry is a job like any other. It also serves to further highlight how far behind countries like Australia are when it comes to combatting sexual exploitation.
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, it is imperative that laws keep pace to protect the most vulnerable. Sweden's latest initiative is a bold and necessary step in that direction, reaffirming the principle that women's bodies are not commodities to be bought and sold, online or offline.
Women’s Forum Australia is an independent think tank that undertakes research, education and public policy advocacy on issues affecting women and girls, with a particular focus on addressing behaviours and practices that are harmful and abusive to them. We are a non-partisan, non-religious, tax-deductible charity. We do not receive any government funding and rely solely on donations to make an impact. Support our work today.
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