Sweden Launches New Action Plan to Combat Online Prostitution and Human Trafficking

Sweden's government is intensifying its fight against prostitution and human trafficking by focusing on the digital realm where much of these crimes have migrated. Announced by Gender Equality Minister Nina Larsson, the updated action plan addresses the growing trend of these illegal activities moving online, particularly targeting the exploitation of youths.

Larsson emphasized the urgent need for societal responses to keep pace with these digital shifts. She revealed that the government will invest an additional 14 million kronor to develop this action plan further, with completion expected next year. The plan involves collaboration with civil society and experts to tailor effective interventions.

Highlighting alarming trends, Larsson cited instances where women are sold through Facebook buy-and-sell groups and where children face extensive sexual exploitation on popular gaming platforms such as Roblox, Fortnite, and Minecraft. Offenders often gain children’s trust through these games before coercing them into sharing explicit images on apps like Snapchat. A 2022 survey by Child X revealed that roughly 22,000 Swedish children aged 15 to 19 might have been victims of commercial sexual exploitation, with half of these incidents occurring online.

The government's focused approach marks a recognition that prostitution and human trafficking are no longer confined to physical locations but thrive in digital spaces, requiring adaptive measures. Larsson's statements underline the determination to devise effective solutions to protect vulnerable young people from these evolving threats, highlighting the societal obligation to act against online sexual crimes.

This initiative reflects Sweden’s proactive stance in combating the dark underside of the internet, acknowledging the increased complexity and reach of online sexual exploitation and trafficking in 2025.