A latest parliamentary inquiry has been launched to analyze the role of online pimping web sites in facilitating the exploitation of girls and girls across Northern Ireland.
The inquiry is being led by the newly established All-Party Group (APG) on Human Trafficking and Commercial Sexual Exploitation, and can examine how such platforms operate, the size of harm involved, and whether existing laws are being effectively enforced.
Its launch on Monday marks 11 years since Northern Ireland introduced landmark anti-trafficking laws that made it the primary – and still the one – a part of the UK to criminalise the acquisition of sex.
The law, passed in 2015, follows the so-called Nordic model, which seeks to scale back demand for sexual exploitation while offering support to those looking for to exit prostitution.
Supporters of the approach argue that demand for paid sex is a pivotal contributor to human trafficking and that decreasing it plays a critical role in protecting vulnerable women and girls.
However, concerns have grown that online pimping platforms have expanded rapidly for the reason that laws got here into force, creating latest avenues for organised criminal exploitation.
Campaigners have also raised questions on whether the Police Service of Northern Ireland is fully utilising the enforcement powers available to it under the law.
An investigation conducted in June 2025 identified hundreds of potential indicators of sexual exploitation on two major UK-based pimping web sites, prompting renewed calls for scrutiny and motion.
Chair of the APG Peter Martin MLA said online pimping platforms have played a big role in enabling business sexual exploitation, often presenting themselves as promoting safety or empowerment.
He stated: “This inquiry will work towards exposing these platforms which have often hidden behind the veil of empowerment and safety.”
Lord Morrow, who originally proposed the 2015 laws, remarked the law represented a decisive stand against the exploitation of girls and girls, highlighting that its core purpose was protection fairly than punishment.
CARE NI policy officer Jessica McDowell said tackling violence against women and girls stays a stated priority for the Northern Ireland Executive but warned that illegal online activity continues at scale.
She explained that on any given day, greater than 300 women are advertised on pimping web sites operating in Northern Ireland, despite the law clearly criminalising the acquisition of sex.
“If that law was enforced, demand would cut back and girls and girls would receive higher protection,” she said. “It is time for motion to be taken on the criminal gangs taking advantage of exploiting women online.”
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