The UK’s media regulator, Ofcom, has fined Fenix International Limited, the operator of OnlyFans, £1.05 million for providing inaccurate information about its age verification procedures. The investigation revealed discrepancies in the platform’s implementation of age estimation technology, which is crucial for preventing underage access to explicit content.
OnlyFans had reported using a “challenge age” threshold of 23 years for its facial age estimation technology, meaning users appearing younger than 23 would need to provide additional identification. However, it was discovered that the actual threshold was set at 20 years. Upon realizing the error in January 2024, the company briefly adjusted the threshold to 23 years before lowering it to 21 years.
Ofcom emphasized the necessity for platforms to provide accurate information to effectively monitor and regulate their operations. The regulator highlighted that OnlyFans’ failure to ensure robust fact-checking led to delays in correcting the misinformation, warranting the financial penalty.
In response, OnlyFans acknowledged the importance of providing precise information and expressed its commitment to compliance. The company welcomed the conclusion of the investigation and stated its dedication to upholding regulatory standards.
This development underscores the growing scrutiny on online platforms regarding age verification measures, especially those hosting adult content. The UK government has been tightening age verification rules to protect minors from exposure to explicit material, with stricter regulations set to come into force.
