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Highlights
- The adult content site OnlyFans would no longer be in the business of pornography from 1 October.
- The website is trying to position itself as a platform for fitness instructors, chefs, and musicians and not sex workers.
- Several of the payment processors complained of the sexually explicit content on the site
The adult content site OnlyFans would no longer be in the business of pornography from 1 October onwards. Though nude videos and photos would be allowed on the website, those must be in line with the website’s policy, the company announced on 19 August.
The website would no longer let creators share sexually explicit material on the website, used by several sex workers to sell pornographic content to fans. BBC News had earlier sought a response from the company on leaked documents that exposed accounts posting illegal content. The website said the change in policy was made following pressure from banking partners.
Why a change of stance?
The website’s popularity saw an exponential increase during the pandemic as online influencers, musicians, as well as sex workers used the website to charge fans for access to exclusive videos, photos, and other content. The website’s users shot up to 130 million.
Though creators can share a host of content, from fitness videos to cooking videos, the London-based social media website is most popular for its pornographic content. It allows creators to share sexually explicit content for subscribers for a monthly payment or tips. The website charges a 20 per cent share on payments for allowing them to post on the platform.
The website is trying to position itself as a platform for fitness instructors, chefs, and musicians and not sex workers. Though its most popular for sexually explicit content, mainstream popular artistes Tyga, Bella Thorne, and Cardi B have also opened accounts.
Towards being inclusive
OnlyFans has been appreciated for creating a safer environment for sex workers to do their jobs. However, sex work remains a stigma. Last year the company generated over $2 billion in sales, and it is expected to double this year. The website has pegged it at 20 per cent.
The site was founded by Tim Stokley, an Essex businessman, in 2016. It found itself in the eye of a storm after the BBC investigation revealed that people below 18 used fake identification for creating accounts on the website. The investigation also revealed that underage children sold sexually explicit videos. This was in violation of law as sharing indecent pictures of children is illegal.
This year the website came up with a new app with several of its top creators but had no nudity. The company said that to ensure the sustainability of the website and to make it an inclusive community, the company has to evolve its content guideline.
OnlyFans and crypto connection
There is another angle, several of the payment processors complained of the sexually explicit content on the site. Last year major payment processors, Mastercard and Visa, denied processing payments for Pornhub, another site on similar grounds.
Also, there were several reports that OnlyFans was struggling to find outsider investors despite posting strong numbers, so the stance could be seen as a makeover to please investors who are reluctant to invest in these kinds of businesses.
The latest announcement by OnlyFans is generating buzz among the crypto community. Pornhub, after the denial of payment services from Mastercard and Visa, started accepting Bitcoin payments and its premium subscriptions are exclusively cryptocurrency payments. So, by succumbing to payment processors pressure, OnlyFans may have created an opening for the competitors who would be happy to go the Pornhub way.
