OnlyFans set to ban sexually explicit content

OnlyFans is famous for helping users sell their explicit content to make bank; Megan Barton-Hansen even credited the subscription-based app for helping her buy her dream home. Of course, everyone wanted a slice of the pie, and over last year’s lockdowns, OnlyFans’ popularity rose to a whopping 130 million users.

However, the app has announced it will be banning sexually explicit content from the 1st of October, and all content creators will have to adhere to the site’s Terms and Conditions.

OnlyFans has stated the decision to focus on more mainstream content was due to pressure from banking partners. A spokesperson for the London-based site explained:

OnlyFans will prohibit the posting of any content containing sexually explicit conduct. In order to ensure the long-term sustainability of our platform, and continue to host an inclusive community of creators and fans, we must evolve our content guidelines.

Some nude content may still be allowed

Before anyone goes and deactivates their accounts, OnlyFans has revealed that some nude content may still be allowed as long as it follows their Acceptable Use Policy. This means that nudity will be permitted if it isn’t public or broadcast from a country where public nudity is illegal.

An OnlyFans spokesperson continued: ‘We will be sharing more details in the coming days, and we will actively support and guide our creators through this change in content guidelines.’

Content creators left devastated

Many sex workers and adult film stars turned to OnlyFans to control their own working conditions and create a safer environment in an industry famous for its dangers. Many of these content creators have been left devastated over the site’s policy changes and have taken to social media to air their grievances.

One person commented on Twitter: ‘Sexual censorship and suppression don’t keep people safe, and they never have. Forcing sex workers off OF will only mean that they have to find other, riskier ways of paying their bills. I really hope @OnlyFans reconsiders this.’

Another person stated: ‘I am honestly pretty devastated with the news of Onlyfans removing adult content, while I will be moving platforms I urge you all to see this as yet another example of businesses using and mistreating sex workers. Sex work is work, period, stop treating it like it's not.’

Now, OnlyFans rival JustForFans has released a statement, attracting users by affirming the importance of sex worker support:

OnlyFans has been failing sexual content creators for years

OnlyFans’ latest announcement isn’t the first or only time the platform has failed to support sexually explicit content creators since its creation in 2016. The platform describes itself as a social platform for creators and fans to connect - much like Patreon - and has never aligned itself with sex workers. As such, the platform has neglected to provide a proper support system for its adult content creators.

Only Fans’ Terms of Service Agreement states that when a content creator decides to delete their account, there is no guarantee that their content will also be deleted, and the site is not responsible for the content that continues to circulate. The social-media site also states that it is not accountable for leaked or stolen content or if creators’ real identities are revealed without consent.

OnlyFans can also delete accounts within 30-days with no explanation needed, leaving creators unable to access their own content.

Despite this, OnlyFans still takes a 20% cut from adult content creators earnings.