OnlyFans Fined by UK Regulator for Age Verification Misinformation
OnlyFans, a content subscription service, has been fined £1 million by the United Kingdom's communications regulator Ofcom. The fine was imposed due to the provision of inaccurate information concerning its age verification processes, which are critical to preventing underage access.
Detailed Breakdown of the Violation
Fenix International Limited, the parent company of OnlyFans, had misreported the age threshold used in their facial age estimation technology. While initially claiming that the challenge age was set at 23, it was later revealed that since 2021, the threshold had been actually set at 20. This misinformation led to a revision of the challenge age to 23, and then to 21 on January 19.
Consequences of Misinformation
The discrepancy took over 16 months to identify and correct, highlighting significant flaws in OnlyFans' internal review and verification procedures. The platform utilizes a system where users upload a live selfie for age estimation. If the estimated age meets or exceeds the challenge age, access is granted; otherwise, further age verification is required.
Regulatory Response and Enforcement
Ofcom has underscored the importance of accurate data provision for effective regulatory oversight. Suzanne Cater, Ofcom’s Enforcement Director, emphasized the obligation of platforms to submit accurate, complete, and timely information to the regulator. "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," Cater stated, reinforcing the regulator's commitment to upholding high standards and accountability.
OnlyFans' Commitment to Regulatory Compliance
Responding to the penalty, a spokesperson for OnlyFans affirmed the platform’s dedication to compliance and regulatory standards, expressing contentment with the conclusion of the investigative process and acceptance of Ofcom's decision to close a previous investigation into the platform’s age assurance measures.
Impact of the Fine
The £1.05 million penalty issued by Ofcom will be directed towards the Treasury, reflecting the ongoing regulatory scrutiny and pressure faced by platforms that host user-generated content, especially those involving younger audiences in terms of protective measures.
