Sweden Demands Social Media Remove ‘Hitman Ads’ Quickly

Sweden is preparing to introduce legislation that would compel social media platforms like TikTok and Snapchat to remove “murder advertisements” posted by criminal gangs within one hour, or face fines of up to five million Swedish kronor (approximately $537,000 USD). The move, announced on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, aims to combat the increasing use of social media for recruiting individuals, including children, to commit violent crimes.

The proposed law addresses a growing trend in Sweden where criminal organizations are leveraging platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat to solicit individuals for criminal activities, often referred to as “crime as a service.” Recruits are frequently minors under the age of 15, the age of criminal responsibility in Sweden, meaning they are handled by social services rather than the criminal justice system, making them attractive assets for gangs.

“We will be first (in the European Union) with this kind of legislation targeting organised crime’s recruiting of children and youths,”

Swedish Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer

Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer stated that Sweden will be the first country in the European Union to implement legislation specifically targeting the recruitment of children and young people by organized crime groups. The announcement was made during a press conference on Wednesday, according to reports from Agence France-Presse and The Sun Daily.

The legislation comes as the minority right-wing government, supported by the Sweden Democrats, pushes for stricter measures to address rising crime rates and immigration in the lead-up to the general election on September 13, 2026. The government has been enacting a series of proposals aimed at cracking down on criminal activity.

According to Pontus Andersson Garpvall, a member of parliament’s justice committee from the Sweden Democrats, “Today, murder contracts are openly posted on social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat.” He further noted that bombings and shootings are being coordinated by criminals on “various digital services.”

The Rise of “Crime as a Service”

The increasing use of social media for criminal recruitment represents a shift towards what authorities are calling “crime as a service.” This model involves gangs outsourcing violent acts to individuals recruited online, often offering financial incentives. The anonymity and reach of social media platforms facilitate this process, allowing gangs to connect with potential recruits and coordinate criminal activities with relative ease.

The vulnerability of young people is a key concern. Because individuals under 15 are not subject to criminal prosecution in Sweden, they are seen as low-risk assets by gangs. Social services involvement, while intended to protect these children, can also inadvertently provide a degree of cover for criminal operations.

Potential Impact and Challenges

If adopted by parliament, the legislation will require social media companies to swiftly remove criminal advertisements or face substantial fines. The effectiveness of the law will depend on the platforms’ ability to detect and remove such content within the one-hour timeframe. This will likely necessitate the implementation of advanced content moderation technologies and increased collaboration between law enforcement and social media companies.

The legislation raises questions about the responsibility of social media platforms in policing illegal activities conducted through their services. While platforms already have policies against promoting violence and illegal content, enforcing these policies effectively can be challenging, particularly given the volume of content uploaded daily. The Swedish government’s approach represents a more assertive stance, holding platforms directly accountable for the presence of criminal advertisements.

The proposed law is expected to set a precedent for other European Union countries grappling with similar issues. The success of Sweden’s initiative could influence the development of similar regulations aimed at curbing the use of social media for criminal purposes and protecting vulnerable youth.