The UK’s communications watchdog, Ofcom, imposed a £1.05 million fine on OnlyFans for providing inaccurate information about its age verification measures, according to Politico.
The penalty follows a 2024 probe into whether OnlyFans, a subscription-based platform hosting adult material, complied with UK video-sharing platform regulations, which require strict age-gating to block under-18s from accessing restricted content.
While Ofcom closed part of its investigation last month, stating it had “no findings” on whether OnlyFans failed to block minors or whether its parent company, Fenix, obstructed the inquiry, it continued examining whether the firm provided misleading information about its age-checking systems between June 2022 and June 2023.
In 2023, OnlyFans reported using Yoti, an AI-powered age-estimation tool, set to flag users appearing under 23 for additional verification. However, the company later admitted the tool had been incorrectly configured to detect only those appearing under 20, a discrepancy that went unnoticed for over 16 months before being disclosed to Ofcom.
Suzanne Cater, Ofcom’s Enforcement Director, stated that the company “will hold platforms to high standards and will not hesitate to take enforcement action where we find failings.”
The regulator reduced the fine after Fenix admitted fault and agreed to settle. OnlyFans has since raised its “challenge age” threshold to 21, which it claims meets legal requirements, with company spokesperson stating:
OnlyFans recognises the importance of providing Ofcom with accurate and timely information. We welcome the conclusion of this process and Ofcom’s decision to close their investigation into our age assurance measures.
The case highlights growing regulatory scrutiny over online safety compliance, particularly as the UK’s Online Safety Act introduces stricter rules for platforms hosting adult content.
