OnlyFans, the popular subscription-based platform for adult content creators, has successfully defended itself against a privacy class action lawsuit filed in Illinois federal court. The lawsuit, which alleged the company collected biometric data of its creators and hosted unauthorized content, was dismissed due to a lack of personal jurisdiction.

The class action lawsuit brought forward by two plaintiffs made significant allegations against OnlyFans and its parent company, a Delaware corporation. One plaintiff claimed that OnlyFans collected biometric data, including facial recognition and fingerprints, during its age verification process. The other plaintiff asserted that a paid video featuring him was posted on the platform without his consent.

Despite these allegations, the court ruled in favor of OnlyFans, citing a lack of personal jurisdiction. The court determined that the claims did not arise from OnlyFans’ contacts within the state of Illinois, rendering the lawsuit outside the jurisdiction of the Illinois federal court.

In its decision, the court highlighted that OnlyFans, incorporated in Delaware, does not have sufficient ties to Illinois to be subject to its jurisdiction. The court emphasized the importance of the connection between the defendant’s activities and the state where the lawsuit is filed. In this case, the activities of OnlyFans were deemed insufficiently related to Illinois to establish personal jurisdiction.

The lawsuit’s dismissal does not address the merits of the privacy concerns related to biometric data collection. The plaintiffs argued that the age verification process, which involves biometric data, was conducted without proper consent or transparency. While this particular case was dismissed, it underscores the growing scrutiny of biometric data practices and the need for clear regulations and compliance.

The second allegation involving unauthorized content raises important questions about consent and content distribution on platforms like OnlyFans. The plaintiff claimed that a video featuring him was shared on the platform without his knowledge or approval. Although this claim was not adjudicated due to jurisdictional issues, it highlights the ongoing challenges of content verification and consent in the digital age.

OnlyFans has not publicly commented on the dismissal of the lawsuit. However, the ruling serves as a significant legal victory for the company, which has faced increasing legal and regulatory scrutiny as it continues to grow in popularity and influence.

The dismissal of the privacy class action lawsuit against OnlyFans in Illinois federal court marks a notable legal win for the platform. While the court’s decision was based on jurisdictional grounds, the allegations of biometric data collection and unauthorized content distribution remain pertinent issues in the broader context of digital privacy and content rights. As OnlyFans and similar platforms continue to evolve, these legal challenges underscore the importance of robust privacy practices and clear consent mechanisms to protect users and creators alike.

For the full court ruling, please refer to the official document here.