UK Anti-Slavery Commissioner Calls for Inquiry into OnlyFans Exploitation

The UK's Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Eleanor Lyons, has raised serious concerns about potential exploitation on the popular platform OnlyFans, calling for a public inquiry following a recent BBC investigation.

The BBC documentary, 'OnlyFans: Inside the machine', uncovered disturbing evidence of abusive behaviour from individuals described as 'agents' or 'managers' who allegedly used violence and intimidation to control women. These managers reportedly exerted significant control over creators' accounts, finances, and even their lives, with some practices described as akin to 'pimping'.

OnlyFans, a platform with millions of creators and subscribers, is known for hosting a wide range of content, much of which is explicit. The platform, based in the UK, retains a 20% share of subscription fees.

A Call for Investigation

Commissioner Lyons has formally requested that the chair of Parliament’s science, innovation, and technology committee initiate an inquiry into the 'extent and nature of exploitation' on the platform. She highlighted that the issues extend beyond online content to encompass real-world abuse and exploitation of vulnerable individuals, particularly young women.

She stated, “The harms uncovered are not simply about online content. They concern real-world abuse and exploitation taking place offline against vulnerable individuals, many of them young women.” She specifically noted concerns regarding 'OnlyFans Managers' and agencies that reportedly controlled creators' earnings, communications, and personal lives, citing patterns suggestive of coercion, withholding of earnings, intimidation, surveillance, pressure for degrading content, and violence.

A spokesperson for OnlyFans stated that the company takes user safety seriously and invests in protective measures, including onboarding processes, payment controls, moderation, and collaboration with charities and law enforcement. They added that OnlyFans does not endorse or have relationships with management agencies and cannot influence private contractual agreements between creators and third parties.

CARE (CHRISTIAN ACTION RESEARCH AND EDUCATION) originally published this story. Eden is sharing it to help connect you with their ministry.