As a result, Ofcom have stung OnlyFans with a fine of £1.05 million. As you may recall, the platform known primarily for sexually explicit content offered false information regarding its age verification implementation. The platform owner, Fenix, did admit liability, which led to a 30% reduction from the initial fine. The proceeds of the fine will be paid into the Consolidated Fund of HM Treasury.
Ofcom, the communications regulator, opened investigations into OnlyFans in June 2022 and June 2023. Ofcom used powers that pre-date the Online Safety Act. Their goal was to hold OnlyFans accountable for taking appropriate, “robust” action in requiring age verification. Yet the company has a blanket defense that its users just need to be over 18. It later emerged that OnlyFans had issued misleading information about its age-checking measures.
OnlyFans uses facial age estimation technology, provided by a third-party vendor, to determine the age of potential users. In January, the platform disclosed its decision to flag anyone under 23. So, they need to show a second form of identification.
OnlyFans has been quick to register its outrage at Ofcom’s conclusions. The platform specifically commits to adopting a full suite of measures by July 2025 to address these issues. The platform welcomed the recognition of the importance of delivering high-quality data to Ofcom.
“OnlyFans recognises the importance of providing Ofcom with accurate and timely information.” – OnlyFans
Ofcom’s Enforcement Director, Suzanne Cater, stressed the importance of getting clear information from platforms such as OnlyFans.
“Receiving accurate and complete information is fundamental for Ofcom to do its job as a regulator and to understand and monitor how platforms are operating.” – Suzanne Cater, Ofcom’s Enforcement Director
Yet even with these regulatory hurdles, OnlyFans is still trying to branch out. Indeed, just this year the company introduced a pornography-free TV streaming service — the latest move to diversify its content away from its pornography-facilitating reputation.