'Industry' Season 4: Unpacking Age Verification And Onlyfans Drama

Setting the Stage: Age Verification Takes the Spotlight

Hold onto your hats, because 'Industry' Season 4 is diving into the deep end of today's digital debates. The season premiere doesn't shy away from the hot topic of online age verification, reflecting real-world legislation like the UK's Online Safety Bill. This fictional law, much like its real counterpart, requires age checks on sites with explicit content to keep minors away. Innovative methods like facial recognition and banking info are part of the mix, but experts are raising eyebrows over potential security and privacy risks.

“We actually ended up writing about it and filming it before it became a thing in the UK, without any sort of consultant inside scoop on it,” Kay told Mashable in a video interview alongside Down.

The show's creators, Mickey Down and Konrad Kay, reveal that they penned these episodes before the law was fully realized in the UK, showcasing their knack for staying ahead of the curve. Although age verification wasn't as pressing during early production, the topic's relevance today makes 'Industry' a cutting-edge commentary.

OnlyFans and the Intricacies of Adult Content

As 'Industry' ventures further into the world of adult content, the season premiere, cheekily titled "PayPal of Bukkake," pushes boundaries. We see fintech company Tender, previously a payment processor for adult sites like the show's OnlyFans stand-in, Siren, pivoting away from explicit material to gain legitimacy. This shift mirrors broader societal debates about adult content's role in mainstream business.

Season 4 also revisits a storyline from the previous season, exploring the complexities of sex work through Sweetpea Golightly, a character with an OnlyFans side hustle. Down and Kay aim to delve deeper into the nuanced portrayal of her work, balancing empowerment with the darker undertones of exploitation. "In Season 3, the picture is quite empowering for Sweetpea, and in Season 4, it’s depicted a little bit more like exploitation," Down explains, highlighting the show's commitment to portraying multifaceted narratives.

Political Intrigue and Corporate Maneuvering

This season isn't just about age verification and adult content – it’s also a gripping tale of political and corporate intrigue. The Labour government is depicted as the driving force behind the Online Safety Bill, adding layers to the show's political landscape.

Down and Kay use this backdrop to explore broader themes of power, money, and morality. According to Down, "The Labour Party now feels like an ideologically complex and compromised institution to me," which sets the stage for a thrilling narrative of political machinations and financial power plays.

As the season unfolds, viewers will find themselves questioning the true motives behind these legislative moves and the role of money in governance. With new episodes dropping every Sunday at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max, 'Industry' promises a suspenseful ride through the intersection of technology, politics, and society.