OnlyFans Growth and Concerns Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic
Since its inception in 2016, OnlyFans, a British-based subscription service, has experienced a significant surge in user engagement, especially from early March 2020, coinciding with the global onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The platform is designed to enable a diverse array of content creators, such as YouTubers, fitness trainers, and models, to monetize their work through monthly subscriptions from followers.
Challenges with Underage Use on OnlyFans
Despite its popularity across various content genres, OnlyFans has encountered criticism due to its substantial use within the adult entertainment industry and the associated legal and ethical issues. This includes the problematic use by underage individuals despite the platform's strict age restriction policy, which requires all users to be at least 18 years old. This policy is enforced through a rigorous creator verification process implemented in May 2019, where users must submit a selfie alongside their photo ID.
However, reports and investigations, including the BBC documentary #Nudes4Sale , reveal that some underage users have bypassed these security measures by using IDs belonging to others. The documentary also noted that many individuals advertising explicit images on social media platforms like Twitter were under 18, reflecting broader concerns about the safeguarding failures of digital platforms hosting adult content.
Enhanced Safety Measures and Ongoing Issues
In response to these challenges, OnlyFans has strengthened its verification procedures. Creators must now be photographed next to their ID card, and an additional verification step requires a photo of the creator holding their ID next to their face. Despite these efforts, there continue to be instances of system misuse by minors.
The Attraction of OnlyFans as a Revenue Stream
For many teenagers and young adults, the allure of OnlyFans is potent, given its potential as a lucrative income source. Some top earners on the platform are reported to fetch as much as £30,000 a month. However, it is crucial to note that such high earnings are exceptional rather than the norm. Many content creators, particularly younger ones, might not fully grasp the complexities and potential risks of their online engagements.
Parental Guidance and Awareness
The rise of platforms akin to OnlyFans, including Patreon, Fanvue, and Fansly, highlights the need for increased parental awareness and involvement in the digital activities of their children. Each platform comes with its own set of content guidelines and age restrictions, creating a landscape that can be challenging for parents to navigate.
To protect young users from the potential dangers of content creation and interaction on these platforms, it is essential for parents to engage in open dialogues with their children, comprehend the specific guidelines of each platform, and set effective online activity monitoring and management strategies.
