OnlyFans Wants To Check Criminal Records

Creators Think That Is A Terrible Idea

OnlyFans says it will begin running criminal background checks on people signing up as content creators, a move the company says is intended to protect the community. The platform announced a partnership with Checkr Trust to help screen applicants as part of the onboarding process in the United States.

Blair described the collaboration in a LinkedIn post as a way to prevent individuals with criminal convictions that may impact community safety from joining OnlyFans as creators. The company has not provided a date for when the checks will be rolled out or details about the scope, including which offenses would disqualify applicants or whether existing creators will be screened. Critics and industry observers, however, note that the specifics of how these checks will operate remain unclear.

Reactions among creators have been mixed. Background checks could deter potential predators but also risk harming performers who are sensitive to past legal issues. They argued that criminal background screening would not necessarily prevent harm and could push vulnerable workers toward less safe alternatives if barriers become too high.

Expanding data collection through background checks increases the risk of data breaches and leaks which can expose the confidential data of millions of people. Industry observers warn that even with third party verification, the data handling practices of platform owners can be vulnerable.

Looking ahead, OnlyFans has remained a dominant force in independent adult content, and its business strategies continue to influence the rest of the industry. As the company navigates onboarding safeguards and the evolving regulatory environment, creators and observers will be watching closely to see how these measures affect access, safety, and the broader ecosystem of online adult content.