MPs have warned that pimping websites are operating as “the Etsy of sexual exploitation,” making trafficking as easy as ordering a pizza. Calls are mounting for the Government to take decisive action by banning the online advertising of prostitution, amid concerns that legislation has failed to keep pace with modern technology.
During the second reading of the Crime and Policing Bill, Conservative MP Rebecca Paul (Reigate) urged ministers to “tackle the scourge of commercial sexual exploitation” by introducing amendments to prohibit prostitution advertisements on the internet. She argued that such websites provide a centralised platform for sex buyers, enabling human traffickers and pimps to profit from the exploitation of vulnerable individuals.
The Bill, which includes provisions on knife crime, anti-social behaviour, and new offences for spiking, does not currently address online prostitution adverts. Ms Paul asked Home Secretary Yvette Cooper whether she would be receptive to amendments that would ban such content.
Call for a crackdown on online prostitution adverts
Speaking in the House of Commons, Ms Paul described how women and young people are being exploited daily for financial gain, with traffickers treating them as mere commodities.
“Exploited repeatedly, day in and day out, these young people are treated as merchandise with the sole purpose of turning a profit for pimps and traffickers,” she said.
Ms Paul insisted that breaking this business model must start with outlawing the advertising of individuals for prostitution, pointing out the absurd legal loophole that allows online prostitution adverts to remain legal while their offline equivalents are banned.
“Advertising prostitution in a phone box is illegal under Section 46 of the Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001, yet when the same thing is online, it is not. This is utterly absurd,” she added.
She also highlighted how websites dedicated to prostitution have fuelled sex trafficking, making it easier for buyers to find and exploit victims in their local area.
“Buying sexual services can be as easy as ordering a pizza. Although prostitution is legal, pimping – which is the provision of a prostitute to perform a sex act with a customer for gain – is not,” Ms Paul explained.
Labour MPs back calls for stronger measures
Labour MP Tracy Gilbert (Edinburgh North and Leith) echoed Ms Paul’s concerns, criticising the Bill for failing to include measures to combat sex trafficking and reduce prostitution.
She referenced a 2023 Home Affairs Select Committee report, which found that collaboration between the National Crime Agency (NCA), the Home Office, and pimping websites had failed to deliver meaningful results in tackling human trafficking.
“This Bill could afford the Government the opportunity to take the actions required to reduce demand and tackle pimping websites,” she said.
Ms Gilbert called on ministers to introduce amendments making it a criminal offence to profit from another person’s prostitution, pressing the Government to take a tougher stance on those who exploit vulnerable individuals.
“I would be grateful to hear from the minister whether the Government would look favourably to amendments that seek to make profiting from prostitution of another person a criminal offence,” she said.
Government response: “Closely monitoring” policies
Responding to MPs’ concerns, Policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson acknowledged the serious issues surrounding prostitution and trafficking but stopped short of committing to an outright ban on online adverts.
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She assured MPs that the Home Office is closely monitoring how similar policies have been implemented in Northern Ireland and parts of mainland Europe.
“The Government is committed to tackling the harms and exploitation that can be associated with prostitution and ensuring that women who want to leave prostitution should be given every opportunity to find routes out,” she said.
Dame Diana highlighted ongoing collaboration between the Government, police, and voluntary sector to ensure that safeguarding remains at the heart of their approach.
Growing political pressure for reform
The debate over online prostitution adverts has intensified as campaigners warn that current laws are outdated and ineffective. Critics argue that while individual sex workers operate legally, third parties who profit from prostitution—such as pimps and traffickers—continue to exploit legal loopholes to operate with impunity.
With cross-party support growing for amendments to the Crime and Policing Bill, pressure is mounting on the Government to take a firmer stance on pimping websites and their role in facilitating sexual exploitation.
As the Bill progresses through Parliament, MPs from all sides are expected to push for tougher measures to crack down on the online marketplace fuelling human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation.
