This week, during the final day of the House of Commons Committee debate on the Digital Economy Bill the issue of coercion and trafficking of “performers” in pornographic films was raised.

Labour MP Thangam Debbonaire tabled an amendment to the Bill making it an offence for someone to make pornographic material available on the internet if they knew or ought to know that persons appearing in the film had been exploited.

In line with the objectives of the Digital Economy Bill, the amendment tabled by Ms Debbonaire was targeted at those who publish and distribute pornography online with the aim that they would pay greater attention to the potentially harmful and exploitative conditions in which that material may be produced.

In introducing the clause Ms Debbonaire said:

“There are strong links between pornography, trafficking and prostitution, as part of a complex system of exploitation within and fuelled by the global sex industry. Organised crime groups, individual traffickers and pimps exploit people to make money, and online pornography presents them with an easy opportunity to make more money by exploiting a person who is already under their control.”

“Coercion, drug use and violence, as well as poor labour conditions and low pay, have been well documented in the commercial porn industry. Evidence and first-hand testimonies from former porn industry insiders reveals that women are forced and coerced to participate in sexual acts that are often violent. They are constantly pressured for ever more extreme performances. Many young women enter pornography as a result of coercion and deception about the realities.”

The Minister responding to the debate recognised the concerns about exploitation but questioned whether the offence tabled would be effective.

CARE, however, shares Ms Debbonaire’s concerns about pornography being an avenue for exploitation and abuse and was disappointed that the Minister did not expressly clarify to what extent producers of pornography are obliged to meet the requirement in the Modern Slavery Act that large companies must publish a statement about action to reduce slavery and human trafficking.

The Digital Economy Bill will now move to Report stage which is expected to take place in the coming weeks.