OnlyFans to ban sexually explicit content as if that isn't the whole point of OnlyFans
OnlyFans is banning sexually explicit content.
As Bloomberg first reported, OnlyFans said it will ban any content containing sexually-explicit conduct on its site starting Oct. 1. The lines seem to be a bit blurred, though, as creators are going to be allowed to post some nude content if it is consistent with OnlyFans' policy, the platform told Mashable in a statement. Currently, there is nothing in OnlyFans' Acceptable Use Policy that details which nude content would be allowed under the new rules, and OnlyFans did not immediately respond to Mashable’s request for details on the policy.
OnlyFans is making the move because, while there are plenty of users and creators on the app, they simply cannot pull in enough investors. According to documents leaked to Axios this week, OnlyFans is one of the largest and most successful platforms for creators — and it continues to grow. But investors aren’t interested in getting involved, because of the sexually-explicit content.
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"In order to ensure the long-term sustainability of the platform, and to continue to host an inclusive community of creators and fans, we must evolve our content guidelines," OnlyFans said, adding that the changes are specifically being made "to comply with the requests of our banking partners and payout providers."
So what does that mean for creators on the platform? That remains unclear.
"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," OnlyFans said.
This comes just days after OnlyFans publicly released an app with only safe-for-work material from OnlyFans creators. The platform said on Thursday that they are still "dedicated" to their community of users and creators. But many of those same creators on social media are saying they feel shafted by a place that made its business off the backs of sex workers, and are now leaving them without an alternative.
Christianna Silva is a senior culture reporter covering social platforms and the creator economy, with a focus on the intersection of social media, politics, and the economic systems that govern us. Since joining Mashable in 2021, they have reported extensively on meme creators, content moderation, and the nature of online creation under capitalism.
Before joining Mashable, they worked as an editor at NPR and MTV News, a reporter at Teen Vogue and VICE News, and as a stablehand at a mini-horse farm. You can follow her on Bluesky @christiannaj.bsky.social and Instagram @christianna_j.