Investigative probe initiated by the anti-slavery official concerning alleged sex-trafficking platforms

In a bid to combat sexual exploitation, the UK's Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Eleanor Lyons, has launched an investigation into several adult service websites in the UK. The investigation was initiated after an investigation by a website uncovered potential indicators of sexual exploitation on two prominent adult service websites.

According to Eleanor Lyons, some adult service websites are ignoring trafficking red flags. The investigation found that these websites use the same language to advertise women in different parts of the country, multiple women are advertised on the same phone number, and there are reports of coercive control in the reviews.

Lyons plans to speak to survivors, police, and Ofcom as part of the investigation. The investigation will involve mapping adult services websites and will focus on the two most prominent UK adult services sites reportedly used to exploit trafficked women by advertising them for sale by postcode.

However, it's important to note that Vivastreet, another adult service website, deploys a range of measures to detect, report, and remove potentially exploitative content. Since 2022, Vivastreet has referred over 4,600 accounts via an industry-first referral pathway. Suspicious content on Vivastreet is referred proactively to a central policing unit.

Vivastreet requires all adult category advertisers to undergo age and ID verification. Experts suggest that indicators suggesting exploitation could have "innocent explanations" on Vivastreet. For instance, 'touring' - moving for short periods of time to different areas to take bookings - is a well-known practice on Vivastreet. Many sex workers on Vivastreet advertise using different names and personas.

Prostitution is legal in England and Wales, but the controlling of prostitution for gain (often called pimping) and trafficking are not. In the last year, 5,000 women and girls were identified as victims of sexual exploitation, which is likely just the "tip of the iceberg." The report from the investigation is expected to be published later this year.

Lyons is concerned about the "hotbeds of exploitation" on hundreds of adult services websites in the UK and is calling for stronger regulations and laws to be properly enforced. The Online Safety Act puts some duties on adult services websites, but Lyons believes that more needs to be done to ensure the safety of vulnerable individuals.

Investigative probe initiated by the anti-slavery official concerning alleged sex-trafficking platforms