Onlyfans' New Background Checks: A Controversial Move Raising Eyebrows

OnlyFans' Background Check Announcement

OnlyFans, the popular platform known for empowering creators with a space to share adult content, has announced plans to initiate criminal background checks for new sign-ups. This move, revealed by CEO Keily Blair on LinkedIn, aligns with a partnership with Checkr Trust, designed to enhance community safety. However, the announcement has sparked a passionate debate among creators.

Blair expressed pride in the collaboration with Checkr, saying, “Checkr, Inc. helps OnlyFans to prevent people who have a criminal conviction which may impact on our community's safety from signing up as a Creator on OnlyFans.” Despite these assurances, details remain murky – when these checks will start, the types of convictions that might bar creators, and whether existing creators will be affected are still unclear.

Creators React: Concerns and Criticisms

The creator community is buzzing with mixed reactions. Many, like performer GoAskAlex, feel the checks might not achieve their intended goal. “Criminal background checks will not stop potential predators from using the platform (OF), it will only harm individuals who are already at higher risk,” she shared. The sentiment is echoed by Jessica Starling, who voiced concerns over the invasive nature of such checks and the potential barriers they impose on those transitioning from in-person sex work.

OnlyFans didn’t respond to requests for comments, leaving creators like Starling pondering over the implications. She noted, “If someone using OnlyFans has a prostitution charge, they might not be able to use the platform. It’s invasive and overreaching.”

Implications for the Broader Industry

The ripple effects of this decision are being felt beyond just OnlyFans. Similar moves are being observed across the adult industry, with Pornhub announcing background checks for content partners. While some see potential benefits in such measures, the overarching concern remains about privacy and the potential for data breaches, especially given the history of companies like Checkr and their legal entanglements.

Alex, reflecting on the broader implications, remarked, “I do not think that someone with an egregious history of sexual violence should be allowed to work in the sex trade in any capacity...but what’s to stop OnlyFans from deactivating someone’s account due to a shoplifting offense?” The debate continues, spotlighting the tension between safety measures and privacy concerns.

As OnlyFans navigates these stormy waters, the community watches closely, mindful of the platform's pivotal role in their livelihoods and the limited alternatives available in the market. With its market dominance, creators feel cornered, as Starling put it, “We're put in a position where we have very limited power.”