The BBC’s investigation into allegations of sexual exploitation relating to the OnlyFans adult platform – OnlyFans: inside the machine – featuring an interview with Unseen’s CEO Andrew Wallis OBE, raises serious concerns about coercion, financial control and potential human trafficking in the digital space.
At Unseen, we work to end modern slavery and exploitation in all its forms. The practices highlighted in the documentary – including controlling earnings, restricting freedom, using threats, coercion, physical violence, and exploiting vulnerability for profit – are behaviours commonly associated with exploitation and trafficking.
While technology and online business models continue to evolve rapidly, the warning signs of exploitation remain the same: control, coercion, deception and abuse for profit. Criminals and exploiters are increasingly adapting their methods to operate online, and regulation and enforcement must keep pace with these changing risks.
The UK has a responsibility to ensure it is not a ‘low-risk, high-reward’ environment for exploiters. Government, regulators, law enforcement and online platforms all have a role to play in identifying risks, preventing harm and protecting vulnerable people from exploitation.
Sexual exploitation remains one of the most common forms of exploitation reported to the Modern Slavery & Exploitation Helpline. In 2025, the Helpline received reports relating to 402 sexual exploitation cases involving 799 potential victims, with women and girls accounting for 96% of victims where gender was known.
This issue is not simply about online platforms; it is about safeguarding people from abuse, coercion and trafficking. We welcome greater public and political scrutiny of how exploitation can occur online and support efforts to strengthen protections for victims and hold exploiters accountable.
Unseen will continue to work with partners across government, law enforcement, business and civil society to raise awareness, support victims and help build a society where exploitation cannot thrive.
While this investigation focuses on sexual exploitation, it is important to remember that modern slavery takes many forms. Across the UK, people are exploited in situations including forced labour, criminal exploitation, domestic servitude and forced begging, often hidden in plain sight within our communities and value chains. Raising awareness of the signs of exploitation and knowing how to respond can help identify victims earlier and prevent further harm. We all have a role to play in creating communities where exploitation cannot thrive and where everyone feels safe and free.
The Modern Slavery & Exploitation Helpline is free, confidential, and available 365 days a year to give advice, and connect you with the right support. Please read our FAQs for potential victims and survivors for more information.