The measure, passed by a large majority, makes it illegal to pay someone to carry out a sexual act remotely for live viewing. It also bans promoting or profiting from such services. Lawmakers argue that live, commissioned content crosses legal and ethical boundaries in ways that pre-recorded content does not, reports EuraCITV.
“This is a new form of sex purchase, and it’s high time we modernise the legislation to include digital platforms,” said Social Democrat MP Teresa Carvalho.
Although the law does not affect pre-recorded adult content, it directly targets live video performances commissioned by viewers, such as those frequently seen on subscription-based platforms.
Supporters of the legislation say it is a necessary response to evolving technology and exploitation risks.
The law was introduced by the parliament’s justice committee and gained cross-party support. Sweden already has strict laws criminalizing the purchase of sex, and this measure brings digital transactions in line with those standards.
Carvalho addressed criticism from adult content creators, saying the bill’s intent is not to criminalize performers but to curb harm. She pointed to documented ties between online sexual exploitation and human trafficking, grooming, and substance abuse.
“It is a forum where sexual services are also sold. Prostitution or the sex trade is constantly taking new forms, and it is important that politicians and legislators keep up with the developments that are taking place,” Social Democrats politician Annika Strandhällsaid Swedish newspaper Expressen.
“From the perspective of Swedish women, we see a big problem with the access to gross violent pornography that very young children in Sweden today have, just by pressing a button on their phones,” she said.
“We protect our children in many different ways from gaining access to different things that are not appropriate in our society. For example, if they go to a gambling site, or from having access to alcohol or similar,” she continued.
The upcoming law will take effect on July 1. Under Sweden’s legal framework, buying sex is punishable by up to one year in prison, while those convicted of pimping can face up to four years.
