Sex on the Blockchain: New Dutch app makes explicit sexual consent easy

People in the Netherlands who want a way of recording their sexual partners' explicit consent to various sex acts can now utilize a new blockchain-based app called LegalFling. Launched by Amsterdam software development firm LegalThings on Thursday, the app requests and records explicit mutual consent to sexual contact between different users.

LegalThings uses smart contracts based on blockchain technology. The app is meant to be a showcase as part of Swedish plans to change legislation requiring bed-partners give explicit consent with every sexual contact they have.

Rick Schmitz, CEO of LegalThings and the mind behind LegalFling: "To ask someone to sign a contract before sleeping together is obviously absurd. With LegalFling we aim to offer a solution: a simple swipe is enough to give your consent to the fling".

Through the app a partner send a request of consent for sexual contact. The request also registers the do's and don'ts of the sexual contact. Both partners can accept or deny the request. Thereby they give each other the permission to engage in a sexual activity. 

Consent may be withdrawn at any moment, the app maker says. LegalFling also offers also extra clauses, such as the prohibition to share photos and videos. These clauses remain in effect even after the end of the consensual sex agreement, in order to protect ex-lovers should a relationship end. Therefore the app offers a penalty clause that can be used during trials, whenever the contract is infringed.

The decision of the Swedish government followed the #metoo anti-sexual-intimidation campaign. But a new ruling would not be enough: in order to implement the new law there should be an easier way to record the mutual consent, and that is the goal of the new LegalFling app.

The LegalThingsOne foundation launched a website where you can download the app for free on Thursday. The app is available for iOS and Android.