Ofcom probes OnlyFans for potential underage access to adult content

UK regulators are investigating OnlyFans, a popular streaming platform used by sex workers, over concerns that the site’s age verification process is failing to block children from accessing pornography. Ofcom, the media regulator, announced on Wednesday that OnlyFans may have provided inaccurate information about its internal measures to prevent under-18s from using the platform.

The investigation falls under Ofcom’s regulation of video-sharing platforms, with leading companies like TikTok and Snapchat also under scrutiny. OnlyFans, which requires users to have their faces scanned by technology provided by Yoti to estimate their age, had mistakenly reported to Ofcom that the age threshold for accessing content on the site was 23 years old, when it was actually set at 20 years old.

London-based OnlyFans, owned by Fenix International, attributed the error to a “coding configuration issue” and promptly corrected the information provided to Ofcom. The regulator expressed concerns that the age assurance measures taken by OnlyFans may not have been implemented effectively to protect under-18s from restricted material.

This investigation comes as part of a broader effort by Ofcom to ensure online safety, particularly for children. The regulator is expected to release codes of practice next week to guide platforms in complying with the UK’s new Online Safety Act, which grants Ofcom greater powers to hold tech companies accountable for violations, with potential criminal liability for named executives.

OnlyFans stated that it is working closely with Ofcom to enhance online safety practices, including the use of age-assurance technology provided by Yoti. The outcome of the investigation will determine if OnlyFans has failed to comply with the law, with an update expected in August.