French lawmakers debate extending pimping rules to adult content platforms

A special commission of the French parliament is set to discuss article 25 of the comprehensive law targeting gender-based violence. The proposal aims to expand the legal regime of pimping to cover online platforms that enable adults to sell erotic or pornographic material, such as OnlyFans and MYM. Under one outlet wording, anyone who helps, assists or protects the remote creation of sexual acts for payment could be prosecuted, as could intermediaries aware of the service’s nature.

Penalties include imprisonment and heavy fines, while purchasers may be fined as well. The measure comes as these sites attract over two million French visitors to OnlyFans and three million to MYM each month. The discussion starts on Monday, 21 September, and could reshape the regulation of digital sex work in France.