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OnlyFans Under Ofcom Investigation: Age-Verification Concerns & Compliance Issues Surface
Ofcom is investigating OnlyFans' age-verification measures and compliance with providing accurate information. OnlyFans uses age-assurance technology but experienced a reporting error related to age thresholds. OnlyFans has cooperated with the investigation and is committed to online safety.
Ofcom announced on Wednesday that it has reason to suspect that OnlyFans did not adequately implement these measures to protect minors from accessing pornographic content on its platform.
Ofcom is also looking into whether OnlyFans failed to provide complete and accurate information in response to statutory requests. The regulator has the authority to ensure that social media companies comply with their obligations to prevent children from accessing harmful content.
An OnlyFans spokesperson stated that the company works closely with Ofcom to establish best practices for online safety, including the use of age-assurance technology. OnlyFans uses age-assurance provider Yoti, but a coding configuration issue resulted in a reporting error.
During a specific period, the threshold was mistakenly set to 23 years-of-age instead of 20. However, OnlyFans promptly identified and rectified the error, informing Ofcom accordingly.
It's important to note that this issue specifically relates to OnlyFans users based in the UK. The company has been proactive in addressing the situation and cooperating with the investigation.
This is not the first time OnlyFans has faced scrutiny. In March, a Reuters investigation shed light on concerns regarding the website's moderation process for adult content. Several individuals in the United States and Britain reported instances of sexually explicit material being posted without their consent. OnlyFans responded by stating that they swiftly remove such content, ban the responsible users, and actively support investigations and prosecutions.
Ofcom's new powers, granted by Britain's Online Safety Act, empower the regulator to take action against social media companies that fail to prevent children from accessing harmful content. Companies found in violation can face fines of up to £18 million ($22 million) or 10% of their global revenue, whichever is greater.
While the implementation of the new law is being phased in, Ofcom continues to regulate video-sharing platforms established in the UK under the existing regime. This includes enforcing measures to prevent individuals under the age of 18 from accessing pornographic material.
Ofcom is investigating OnlyFans' age-verification measures and compliance with providing accurate information.
OnlyFans uses age-assurance technology but experienced a reporting error related to age thresholds.
OnlyFans has cooperated with the investigation and is committed to online safety.
Source: REUTERS