OnlyFans has been hit with a £1.05 million fine by UK communications regulator Ofcom after providing inaccurate and incomplete information about its age verification systems.
The penalty follows a long-running investigation into whether the platform was doing enough to prevent underage users from accessing explicit material. While no breach was found in terms of underage access, the investigation uncovered serious failings in how OnlyFans disclosed technical details about its age-checking tools.
At the center of the controversy is OnlyFans’ facial estimation technology, which uses a live selfie to estimate a user’s age. If the estimated age is above a certain “challenge age,” the user can proceed to create an account. Those estimated below that age must verify their identity through additional methods.
OnlyFans’ parent company, Fenix International, told investigators that the challenge age was set at 23 years old. But in January 2024, Fenix learned from its technology provider that the challenge age had actually been set at 20 since 2021—a major discrepancy that went unnoticed for over 16 months. The company then raised the challenge age to 23, before quickly adjusting it again to 21.
The regulator concluded that Fenix lacked robust internal checks to ensure the accuracy of its disclosures. Despite the company’s financial strength—its owner reportedly took home a £359 million dividend—its compliance systems were found to be lacking.
“Accurate and timely information is crucial for us to regulate effectively,” said Ofcom’s enforcement director, Suzanne Cater. “Platforms must take their responsibilities seriously. We won’t hesitate to take enforcement action when they fall short.”
The fine will be paid to the UK Treasury.
A spokesperson for OnlyFans said: “OnlyFans recognises the importance of providing Ofcom with accurate and timely information. We welcome the conclusion of this process and Ofcom’s previous decision to close their investigation into our age assurance measures.”
The penalty follows a long-running investigation into whether the platform was doing enough to prevent underage users from accessing explicit material. While no breach was found in terms of underage access, the investigation uncovered serious failings in how OnlyFans disclosed technical details about its age-checking tools.
At the center of the controversy is OnlyFans’ facial estimation technology, which uses a live selfie to estimate a user’s age. If the estimated age is above a certain “challenge age,” the user can proceed to create an account. Those estimated below that age must verify their identity through additional methods.
OnlyFans’ parent company, Fenix International, told investigators that the challenge age was set at 23 years old. But in January 2024, Fenix learned from its technology provider that the challenge age had actually been set at 20 since 2021—a major discrepancy that went unnoticed for over 16 months. The company then raised the challenge age to 23, before quickly adjusting it again to 21.
The regulator concluded that Fenix lacked robust internal checks to ensure the accuracy of its disclosures. Despite the company’s financial strength—its owner reportedly took home a £359 million dividend—its compliance systems were found to be lacking.
“Accurate and timely information is crucial for us to regulate effectively,” said Ofcom’s enforcement director, Suzanne Cater. “Platforms must take their responsibilities seriously. We won’t hesitate to take enforcement action when they fall short.”
The fine will be paid to the UK Treasury.
A spokesperson for OnlyFans said: “OnlyFans recognises the importance of providing Ofcom with accurate and timely information. We welcome the conclusion of this process and Ofcom’s previous decision to close their investigation into our age assurance measures.”
