Ofcom Investigates OnlyFans for Age Verification Compliance
Ofcom, the British media regulator, has initiated an investigation into OnlyFans, focusing on the platform's effectiveness in implementing age-verification systems to prevent minors from accessing adult content. This investigation raises concerns over the potential access of pornographic material by users under 18, highlighting issues in the platform's safeguarding measures.
Details of the Investigation
"Having reviewed submissions from OnlyFans in response to formal information requests, we suspect that the platform did not implement its age-verification measures effectively to sufficiently protect under-18s," stated Ofcom. This inquiry also extends to whether OnlyFans provided full and accurate information when replying to statutory requests.
Response from OnlyFans
An OnlyFans spokesperson emphasized the company's ongoing collaboration with Ofcom, striving to uphold and improve best practices for online safety. This includes integrating age-assurance technology from Yoti, a recognized provider, to bolster their efforts. Acknowledging a prior mishap, the spokesperson noted a coding error that incorrectly set an age verification threshold, which was promptly corrected upon discovery.
Broader Context and Regulatory Framework
This investigation occurs amidst broader scrutiny of content moderation on OnlyFans. A previous investigation by Reuters noted instances in the US and the UK where unauthorized sharing of sexually explicit content occurred, prompting OnlyFans to take action against such violations.
Under the new Online Safety Act, Ofcom possesses enhanced powers to enforce prevention measures against exposure of minors to harmful content. The law allows imposing fines up to 18 million pounds or 10% of global annual turnover, addressing non-compliance by platforms like OnlyFans.
Continued Monitoring Under New Legislation
As the UK continues to roll out the Online Safety Act, Ofcom's role extends to overseeing video-sharing platforms to ensure compliance with the stringent age protection requirements set by the new law. The ongoing developments in this legal framework suggest a tightening of regulations that could significantly impact how platforms manage user content and access.
