Not that most people realize it, but OnlyFans counts fitness instructors, chefs, musicians, podcasters, and more among its two million+ creators. Most accounts post material of an adult nature, of course, which makes the creators and the site a lot of money, yet the company wants to make this aspect less of a focus.
Would you pay for this sort of content? This renewed push toward a mainstream image and increased transparency comes as the UK’s Online Safety Bill is set to resume its progress through parliament. The bill requires tech companies to protect their users from illegal content such as child-abuse images and “legal but harmful” content. Parts of it could only apply to services with a significant number of users under 18, which UK lawmakers fear could exempt OnlyFans. “We are vocal supporters of the Online Safety Bill, and any suggestions that we have or would attempt to dodge its requirements are not supported by factual analysis, evidence or statements by OnlyFans,” a spokesperson said. Bloomberg notes that OnlyFans removed more than a million posts for violating its acceptable use policy since July 2021, has 1,000 workers dedicated to safety, and removes hundreds of accounts each month. This isn’t entirely new ground for OnlyFans. There was shock last year when the company said it would ban sexually-explicit material on the platform due to demands from financial and payment partners. The ban was suspended a few days later following creator and user outrage. OnlyFans also has a mobile app called OFTV, which forgoes the usual explicit material in favor of non-pornographic content like cookery shows. Some presenters are scantily clad, but it’s certainly no worse than Twitch.
