Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, has initiated a probe into OnlyFans over concerns that it has failed to implement effective age verification systems to prevent underage users from accessing explicit materials. This investigation marks a significant step in the enforcement of the UK’s robust digital safety laws, particularly under the recently enacted Online Safety Act.

The inquiry was launched following Ofcom’s review of information submitted by OnlyFans, which suggested potential shortcomings in the platform’s age verification processes. According to Ofcom, there are “grounds to suspect” that the measures in place are insufficient to safeguard minors from adult content, a critical violation of UK law.

Ofcom’s concerns escalated after discrepancies were identified in the data provided by OnlyFans. Initially, the platform reported an age verification threshold incorrectly set to 23 years when it was set to 20.

This error, attributed to a coding issue with their age-assurance provider Yoti, was later corrected by OnlyFans, but it raised significant questions about the reliability of their systems.

A spokesperson for OnlyFans stated, “We discovered the reporting error and proactively amended our report to Ofcom. We work closely with Ofcom to implement and develop best practices on online safety, including the use of age-assurance technology.”

This is not the first time OnlyFans has faced scrutiny. A Reuters investigation earlier this year highlighted issues related to non-consensual content on the platform, compounding the challenges it faces amidst tightening regulatory controls.

The Online Safety Act, under which Ofcom was granted expanded powers last year, mandates that social media companies and similar platforms prevent children from accessing harmful content, including pornography. Non-compliance could result in fines up to £18 million or 10% of global revenue, whichever is greater.

Currently, the investigation is being conducted under the stipulations of the Communications Act 2003, as amended in 2020, which requires that video-sharing platforms (VSPs) based in the UK take “appropriate measures” to restrict access to pornographic materials for users under 18.

The outcome of this investigation could have wide-reaching implications for OnlyFans and similar platforms operating in the UK. It highlights the growing emphasis on digital safety and the responsibilities of platforms to comply with national regulations aimed at protecting minors.

In a crazy twist of fate, just a few weeks after OnlyFans became compliant by requiring advanced ID verification, OnlyFans was sued for doing just that in a class action lawsuit filed in Illinois. It’s almost as if an adult company can’t win. They get fined for not complying with the law and then sued for complying with the law.

As far as the UK investigation goes, be sure to follow @Fleshbot on X to keep up with the latest industry news as it happens.