On Tuesday, deputies in France’s National Assembly approved an article within a bill addressing sexual violence, categorizing paid sexual acts conducted online under the scope of pimping. This decision particularly targets platforms such as OnlyFans, according to reports from France Presse.
In recent years, platforms specializing in paid sexual content have proliferated, notably among younger demographics, as highlighted by AFP.
The proposed legislation aims at intermediaries, particularly those providing sexual content on demand, as well as users purchasing these remote services, by establishing a crime that penalizes the acquisition of such acts.
Divided Opinions Among French Lawmakers
The measure ignited a vigorous debate among lawmakers, especially between those who view these platforms as a “gateway” for youths into prostitution and those who fear that a potential ban might push certain sex workers towards more hazardous physical practices.
Isabelle Rauch, a co-reporter from the Horizons party (center-right), stated, “Purchasing sexual acts online is the first gateway to physical pimping. The virtual world is now a jungle; we have nothing to ensure that these girls and boys can be protected.”
Conversely, Deputy Sarah Legrain from the LFI party (left) echoed the concerns of some sex workers, asserting that many feel “much safer than in physical contact with a client.”
She warned that such a measure would lead to the closure of these platforms, driving sex workers towards unregulated sites where they could be “exploited.” She further argued, “It is not the same to ‘caress one’s feet in front of a camera’ as it is to engage in a sexual act in exchange for money.”
