Expertise reporter
Getty PhotographsOnlyFans’ father or mother firm has been fined £1.05m after giving inaccurate details about the measures it had in place to examine the age of its customers.
The platform – which is thought for internet hosting sexually express materials – says individuals who go to it should be no less than 18 years outdated.
It makes use of facial age estimation expertise – offered by a 3rd celebration – the place a selfie is analysed to work out how outdated a potential consumer is.
The platform’s proprietor, Fenix, mentioned it was set to flag anybody who seemed to be beneath the age of 23, who would then be requested to supply an additional type of ID.
Nevertheless, it later disclosed the tech’s goal age had in actual fact been set to twenty.
Ofcom has concluded that meant Fenix contravened its authorized obligation to supply correct info, so levied the high quality.
“Receiving correct and full info is key for Ofcom to do its job as a regulator and to know and monitor how platforms are working,” mentioned Suzanne Cater, Ofcom’s Enforcement Director
“We are going to maintain platforms to excessive requirements and won’t hesitate to take enforcement motion the place we discover failings.”
The proceeds of the high quality – which has been lowered by 30% as a result of it has been accepted by Fenix – shall be handed to HM Treasury.
In an announcement, OnlyFans mentioned: “OnlyFans recognises the significance of offering Ofcom with correct and well timed info.
“We welcome the conclusion of this course of and Ofcom’s earlier determination to shut their investigation into our age assurance measures.”
The regulator made its preliminary enquiries in June 2022 and June 2023 utilizing powers that pre-date the On-line Security Act (OSA).
The OSA – which is coming into pressure absolutely this yr – locations larger duties on tech companies to guard individuals, together with the younger, from dangerous content material on-line.
Critics say it doesn’t go far sufficient, with the federal government conceding it’s “uneven.”
Taking harder motion on age assurance is a key requirement of the act.
Websites, together with OnlyFans, have been advised they might want to have “sturdy” measures in place by July 2025.
The platform is greatest identified for internet hosting grownup content material, with customers paying a subscription to view express materials, but additionally affords content material from musicians and celebrities.
In 2023, it launched a pornography-free TV streaming service.
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