The subscription sharing site, OnlyFans, is well-known for one of the reasons for the amount of lewd content that passes through the platform. Now the site has decided to ban pornographic content. What is the reason?
OnlyFans have been quite relaxed with lewd videos passing by. But now, this UK-based site wants to prioritize mainstream content that is more acceptable to many parties and sexually suggestive videos will no longer be able to be displayed.
"In order to ensure the long-term sustainability of this platform and an inclusive community for creators and fans alike, we had to develop our content guide," said a spokesperson for OnlyFans.
But other than that, OnlyFans' move is the result of pressure from payment service companies. Visa and MasterCard, for example, are getting stricter in enforcing rules related to pornography. OnlyFans also acknowledged that the decision was made in response to requests from the payment partners and the bank.
Nude posts from users are still allowed, but they shouldn't lead to inappropriate behavior. Tens of thousands of sex workers do use this site to generate substantial income from subscription fees.
However, OnlyFans is increasingly making regulators uncomfortable because they are suspected of carrying out illegal business practices. In the United States, for example, hundreds of members of Congress requested an investigation into OnlyFans because illegal content was spreading, including displaying minors.
Investigations from the BBC also further cornered OnlyFans. Last May, BBC News reported that OnlyFans failed to screen content featuring minors. Even if it is against the rules, an account is not automatically closed.