OnlyFans Hit with £1M Fine Over Age Verification Missteps

An action from Ofcom, underscoring the critical importance of robust age-check systems on platforms hosting explicit content.

The Investigation Unfolds

The saga began in May 2024 when Ofcom initiated an investigation into OnlyFans amid concerns that minors might be accessing adult content on the platform. The focus was on the effectiveness of OnlyFans’ age verification processes and the accuracy of information provided to the regulator.

In June 2022 and again in June 2023, Ofcom requested detailed information from Fenix International, the parent company of OnlyFans, regarding their age-checking technologies. Fenix reported that their facial age estimation technology had a “challenge age” threshold of 23 years. However, it was later revealed that this threshold had been set at 20 years since November 2021.

How Facial Age Estimation Works

Age verification technology has been a hot topic in online safety discussions. Platforms like OnlyFans use facial age estimation software to assess whether a user appears to be over a certain age threshold. This AI-driven method analyzes facial features to predict an approximate age. Even if it’s quite modern and useful, it’s not foolproof. Some simple details, like putting on some make-up, can affect the results. 

OnlyFans is not the only platform employing such technology. Social media giants like TikTok and Instagram have experimented with AI-based age estimation, while some adult sites require users to upload official identification documents.

After discovering they gave out incorrect information, Ofcom hit Fenix International with a £1.05 million fine. The regulator made it clear—accurate and complete info is a must for proper oversight and making sure platforms play by the rules.

Ofcom’s enforcement director, Suzanne Cater stated, “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.”

The Broader Implications for Online Platforms

The OnlyFans case highlights a much larger issue facing online platforms: ensuring that minors do not access inappropriate content. Governments and regulatory bodies worldwide have tightened age verification restrictions, especially for platforms hosting adult content.

In the UK, the Online Safety Act mandates that adult websites must implement strict age verification measures or face heavy fines and possible restrictions. The EU’s Digital Services Act also requires platforms to proactively prevent underage access to explicit content.

OnlyFans’ fine sends a clear message to other platforms: regulators are watching, and non-compliance will come at a cost. This could lead to a ripple effect, with other adult content sites being forced to enhance their verification systems or risk facing similar penalties.

Potential Consequences for OnlyFans and Its Creators

While £1.05 million is a significant fine, it is unlikely to severely impact OnlyFans, which generates billions in revenue annually. However, the reputational damage could be more concerning.

If the platform is found to be insufficiently protecting minors in future investigations, more severe penalties or operational restrictions could follow. In extreme cases, regulators could even push for the platform to be blocked in certain countries, as has happened with other adult sites failing to comply with strict age verification laws.

For creators, more control could lead to more trouble accessing their earnings. Since earnings are always the bigger deal, they might slowly distance themselves from the platform. Some also think that users could distance themselves from a more regulated platform. All this could lead to reducing OnlyFans’ dominance in the adult content industry. 

OnlyFans has stated that it is committed to compliance and has welcomed the conclusion of Ofcom’s investigation. Moving forward, the platform may have to increase transparency in its regulatory dealings and implement more rigorous age verification measures.

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, this case serves as a warning to all platforms operating in the adult content space: compliance with age verification laws is not optional. Whether this fine will lead to lasting industry changes remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—OnlyFans and similar platforms will always be under increased scrutiny.