OnlyFans Fined £1 Million for Inaccurate Age Verification Information

Ofcom penalizes the subscription platform for failing to provide correct details regarding its age checking procedures.

OnlyFans, a subscription-based platform popular among content creators and sex workers, has been fined over £1 million by Ofcom for not supplying accurate information about its age verification processes.

This sanction follows a dual investigation initiated by Ofcom in May 2022, which was prompted by concerns regarding children’s access to pornography on the site and the platform's compliance with information requests.

Ofcom, the UK communications regulator, sought clarity on OnlyFans’ age verification methods, particularly its facial estimation technology.

Users of OnlyFans must upload a live selfie, which the technology employs to estimate the individual's age.

If the estimated age exceeds a predetermined 'challenge age', prospective users can create an account; otherwise, they must confirm they are over the age of 18 through alternative means.

The inquiry revealed discrepancies in the challenge age, initially stated by Fenix International, OnlyFans' parent company, as 23 years.

However, it was later determined that the actual challenge age had been set at 20 years since 2021. Fenix only learned of this error in January 2024 and subsequently adjusted the challenge age to 23, then to 21 shortly thereafter.

The delay in recognizing the inaccuracies lasted over 16 months, leading Ofcom to conclude that Fenix lacked adequate fact-checking measures.

As a result of these findings, Ofcom imposed a financial penalty of £1.05 million on Fenix International, which will be directed to the UK Treasury.

Suzanne Cater, Ofcom’s enforcement director, emphasized the necessity for platforms to provide complete and precise information, stating such diligence is critical for effective regulation.

In response to the fine, a spokesperson for OnlyFans acknowledged the importance of accurate communication with Ofcom and expressed appreciation for the resolution of the investigation into their age assurance measures.

This incident highlights ongoing scrutiny of online platforms regarding age verification and child protection protocols, amid increasing concerns about minors accessing explicit content.