Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps is she taking to prevent the posting of sex for rent advertisements on social media websites.

The government is clear that ‘sex for rent’ arrangements are illegal and breach the Sex Offences Act (2003). The Crown Prosecution Service detail that these arrangements can lead to the exploitation of highly vulnerable persons who are struggling to obtain accommodation. The provision of accommodation in return for sex is capable of being caught by the following legislation: Sexual Offences (causing prostitution for gain) and an advertisement would also be unlawful in accordance with section 52 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003.

Advertising in the UK is regulated through the Advertising Standards Association (ASA) and Ofcom. There are two main codes of practice for advertisers to uphold in the UK. These are the Committee of Advertising Practice and Broadcast Committee of Advertising Practice Codes, CAP and BCAP codes. DCMS will be examining the regulatory model for online advertising through its upcoming Online Advertising Programme (OAP). This government wants to ensure that online advertising is regulated by a robust, well-funded and strong regulatory body who can minimise harms for consumers, businesses and society as a whole, we will consult on the OAP later this year.