OnlyFans faces ban in Sweden as country criminalizes purchase of custom sexual content
Sweden has passed a new law that bans buying live, custom sexual content online. This law will affect platforms like OnlyFans. The law was approved on May 20, 2025, and will start on July 1, 2025. It marks a big change in how Sweden handles digital sex work.
What Does the Law Say?
The law makes it illegal to pay for live, on-demand sexual acts done remotely. Sweden treats buying such content like buying physical sex. People who pay for live sexual performances online could face up to one year in prison.
The law still allows buying or viewing pre-recorded adult content. The ban only targets real-time, personalized sexual acts requested online.
The law also makes it illegal to profit from or promote these live acts. This could affect platforms hosting such content and the creators on them.
Why Did Sweden Do This?
Sweden has long had a “Nordic Model” that criminalizes buying sex but protects sex workers. This new law extends that idea to online services.
Lawmakers want to stop exploitation, trafficking, and abuse that can happen online. They say the law protects vulnerable people from grooming and coercion on digital platforms.
Concerns and Criticism
Supporters praise the law for fighting exploitation. But critics worry it will push online sex work underground. They say this could make the work more dangerous.
Sex workers and digital rights groups warn that the law risks limiting freedom of expression. They also fear increased surveillance and government overreach.
OnlyFans’ Response
OnlyFans has expressed concern about the law. The company has tried to talk with Swedish officials. It says the platform pays taxes and supports many Swedish creators.
The ban may force creators in Sweden to stop working or move abroad. This could harm their income and independence.
Global Context
Sweden’s law follows similar laws like the U.S. SESTA/FOSTA. Those laws aimed to stop online sex trafficking but hurt consensual sex workers. Many countries struggle to balance protecting people and respecting rights in digital sex work.
What Happens Next?
Once the law takes effect, people will watch how it is enforced. We will see how it affects sex workers, platforms, and users in Sweden. This law is a test case for digital sex work regulation worldwide.
