France'S Bold Move Against 'Online Pimps': New Bill Targets Onlyfans And Mym Exploitation

A New Offense in the Digital Age

France’s Senate has taken a decisive step against online exploitation by approving a bill that introduces a new criminal offense: "online sexual exploitation." Spearheaded by Senator Marie Mercier from the conservative Les Républicains, this initiative is set to challenge the intermediaries of adult content creators on platforms such as OnlyFans and the French platform Mym. With a significant overhaul during parliamentary debates, the bill draws inspiration from human trafficking laws, aiming to combat modern forms of exploitation and coercion.

“The problem is that we are witnessing a fundamental debate about whether this type of content should be considered prostitution,” digital law attorney Raphaël Molina told Euronews.

The legislation zeroes in on those agents around subscription-based platforms, accused of profiting from what some liken to modern exploitation. Now, this bill is set to move to the National Assembly for further examination.

Navigating Legal Grey Areas

Subscription-based platforms like OnlyFans and Mym have seen a surge since the COVID-19 pandemic, operating in a space where users pay for personalized sexual content. However, French law defines prostitution as requiring physical contact, leaving these online interactions in a legal limbo. The Cour de cassation, France's highest court, has confirmed that such online services do not meet the current legal definition of prostitution, creating a challenge for prosecuting intermediaries under existing laws.

Faced with this impasse, the senators have crafted a standalone offense specifically targeting these digital intermediaries, or "pimps 2.0," as termed by Senator Mercier. The focus is on those who recruit, supervise, and monetize the work of young adult content creators.

A Closer Look at the Implications

The bill targets agents who exploit creators, often young women in their early to mid-20s, including students trying to make ends meet. Mercier underscores the discrepancy between the promised financial independence and the harsh reality behind the scenes, where minors and coercion are alarmingly prevalent.

According to a Senate report, about 30% of content creators in France are represented by an agent. With the new "online sexual exploitation" offense, offenders could face up to seven years in prison and a hefty €150,000 fine, especially when minors are involved.

Mixed Reactions and Future Perspectives

Despite the support for addressing abuses, the bill has sparked concern among online sex workers. The Senate’s law committee removed a provision that would criminalize buyers of personalized content, avoiding undue restriction on consensual adult interactions.

Virtual sex worker Vera Flynn expressed concerns about unintended consequences: “When it comes to agents, we more or less agree,” she told Euronews. “But regarding personalized content, that’s where we had a problem.”

Meanwhile, some advocate for regulation rather than criminalization. Raphaël Molina suggests administrative licensing as a way to regulate rather than punish agents on these platforms, highlighting a need for a balanced approach.

The Path Forward

Abolitionist organizations argue that the new law doesn't go far enough. Delphine Jarraud of Amicale du Nid insists that the digital nature doesn’t change the act's essence, calling for laws akin to Sweden’s 2025 legislation.

In response to critiques, Mercier calls this bill a starting point: "You can’t do everything in one day. You can’t redefine prostitution overnight. But we had to start by creating a breach." As the debate continues, the world watches to see how France navigates this complex issue.