OnlyFans Parent Company Fined by Ofcom
Fenix International Limited, the holding company of OnlyFans, has been penalized by the UK's communications watchdog, Ofcom, with a fine amounting to 1.05 million pounds (around US$1.36 million). The fine was imposed due to inaccuracies in how the company reported the effectiveness of its age verification processes, specifically the facial age estimation checks.
Details of the Ofcom Investigation
The investigation by Ofcom focused on the methods OnlyFans uses to verify the age of its users. Central to the inquiry was the application of facial recognition technology intended to estimate the age of users based on their facial features. Ofcom's investigation highlighted inconsistency in the age thresholds set by OnlyFans for triggering additional age verification measures.
Revisions in Age Verification Threshold
Initially, Fenix claimed that it had a threshold age of 23 years set for users to undergo further age verification if their estimated age from facial biometrics was at or below this age. However, it was revealed during the probe that OnlyFans had lowered this age threshold to 20 years without proper disclosure. The threshold was later adjusted on January 16 to align with the initially stated age of 23, before being altered again to 21 years three days later.
Financial Penalty and Reduction Details
The fine included a 30 percent reduction as Fenix International did not contest the findings, thus saving regulatory resources. Despite the penalty, Fenix International Limited has not yet issued any public statement regarding the fine or the discrepancies in their reporting concerning the age verification protocols.
