OnlyFans, the video subscription platform, is being investigated by UK regulators on concerns it provides children with access to pornography.
Ofcom, Britain’s media watchdog, said it has opened an investigation into the website, which is renowned for offering adult video content, because it had not been doing enough to verify the ages of users on the site.
A minimum age of 18 is required to access the site, and Onlyfans only provides access once users have provided their name, and payment details and been scanned and age-verified through the digital identity service Yoti.
A photo of the user along with their photo ID is required before people can access the site.
However, Ofcom has expressed concern that the age verification process isn’t implemented properly by the site's operator Fenix International.
It also is investigating why the subscription service failed to provide accurate and full information regarding requests it made over the last two years.
OnlyFans claimed one technical error had led to it reporting that the age threshold was set at 23, when in fact it was 20.
While the company fixed the error and reported it to Ofcom, the watchdog is now deciding whether 20 is an appropriate age limit.
A company spokesperson said: “As the leading UK-based and regulated social media platform, OnlyFans works closely with Ofcom to implement and develop best practices on online safety, including the use of age-assurance technology.”
An update regarding the investigation is expected to be released this August.