Why should parents be concerned about OnlyFans?

OnlyFans is a platform that's been making waves in the online space. You might have heard about it, but in all probability, your teenager is well aware of it.

OnlyFans, born in 2016, differs from your typical social media platform. It's a subscription-based service where creators, ranging from sex workers, YouTubers and fitness trainers to models and public figures, share exclusive content with their fans for a fee. While it hosts content like fitness routines, music, and cooking, it's gained its fair share of attention for being a hub for adult content or "soft porn". 

OnlyFans comes with its share of controversies. The platform was criticized for not preventing inciting materials from circulating. In 2021, it caused a stir by initially banning explicit content, only to reverse the decision after facing a backlash.

Amid all this, OnlyFans has seen a surge in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic, boasting over 3 million creators and a staggering 220 million users as of May 2023. Why are we discussing this? We aim to provide you with a complete guide to OnlyFans – what it is, how it works, and the ups and downs it brings. So you can protect your children from accessing or engaging in age-inappropriate content via OnlyFans.

What is OnlyFans? 

History and background 

OnlyFans is a website founded in 2016 by Timothy Stokely, a British entrepreneur. It's a platform that lets creators share exclusive content with their fans, who pay a monthly fee, tips, or pay-per-view to access it. Initially OnlyFans started for adult content creators to make money from fans. But it grew! Now, it's for all kinds of creators like fitness, music, and art. It's a space for everyone to share and earn.

How OnlyFans work

1. Content creation: Creators create content in the form of images and videos, which are all behind a paywall. 

2. Subscription-based model: Creators set a monthly subscription fee for fans to access their content. They get an 80% payout!

3. Many ways to pay: Besides subscriptions, fans pay for tips, pay-per-view content, and exclusive messages. 

4. Direct interaction: OnlyFans allows creators to communicate directly with their fans, encouraging a closer and more personal relationship.

5. Content control: Creators control the type of content they share, enabling them to monetize their work on their own terms. Contents are camouflage. Though they appear normal, they are provocative and hint at having personal connections.

Celebrities and influencers on OnlyFans

Guess what? Some of your favorite stars, like Beyonce, Caroline Calloway, Belle Delphine, Tana Mongeau, and Rubi Rose, are on OnlyFans. On OnlyFans, there's a trend where creators share explicit content in exchange for proof of charity donations. Kaylen Ward started this trend by raising $1 million for Australian bushfire relief in January 2020.

Bella Thorne joined OnlyFans in August 2020 and set records by earning $2 million in a week, including $1 million in just 24 hours. However, there was a controversy because Thorne promised nude photos to subscribers but only provided lingerie photos, leading to many chargebacks.

Mia Khalifa, a Lebanese-American media personality and former adult film actress, is also one of the most popular creators on OnlyFans.

Age restriction for OnlyFans

The OnlyFans privacy policy states that individuals must be 18 or older to access and use their services. Usage of the services is strictly prohibited for anyone under 18.

Why should children and teens not be allowed to use OnlyFans?

Adult content exposure: OnlyFans caters exclusively to adults aged 18 and above. But then, many sneaky youngsters try to slip in by fibbing about their age. This platform is not suitable for children, as the profile pictures of creators often feature partial nudity, and the content itself explores suggestive themes, body language, and explicit material. Exposure to such content has the potential to compromise the innocence of children. They could become more curious about adult topics and start exploring more in the reel as well as the real world. It's no wonder they might develop an interest in pornography and get hooked before you know it.

Financial hazards: Creators on OnlyFans lock their contents behind a paywall, implying you can only access them by paying. Every interaction with a creator comes with a cost – even sending a direct message (DM) requires payment. This setup poses a risk for children, as their growing curiosity may lead them to make substantial financial transactions. Moreover, as kids grasp the concept of making money through this platform, they may be tempted to become creators. This could lead to creating and posting inappropriate, explicit content, all in pursuit of earning money. 

Identity theft: OnlyFans explicitly outlines in its privacy policy that its website may contain links to third-party websites, plug-ins, and applications. Clicking on these links or enabling connections with them may expose you to the risk of third parties collecting or sharing your personal data. OnlyFans will not take any accountability for the content, security, or privacy practices of these external websites, plug-ins, or applications. Users are advised to review the third parties' privacy and cookie policies/notices to understand how their personal data may be utilized. Especially concerning is the risk for children who might inadvertently click on links, leading to the potential theft of vital personal information.

Online abuse: Creators on OnlyFans invite fans to send direct messages for personal and intimate connections. This opens the door for children to encounter online abuse, such as grooming, exchanging explicit content, sexual harassment, and blackmail. The risk escalates when these virtual relationships transition to the real world, exposing children to potential harm and dangers.

Use Mobicip to block OnlyFans

The solution is straightforward: Block OnlyFans. Mobicip is one of the most trusted parental control solutions. With Mobicip, you can rest assured your children are always protected no matter where your child wanders in the digital space. You can use Mobicip's App Blocker to block OnlyFans' rights and preserve their innocence. Ready to roll? Kickstart your 7-day free trial today!

FAQs

Is OnlyFans legal? 

Yes, OnlyFans is legal. However, its legality varies by location. Some places have raised legal issues about adult content on OnlyFans. To stay legal, follow the platform's rules and your local laws. It's popular in the UK, US, Canada, and much of Europe, but illegal in many Asian and Middle Eastern countries. Check terms and conditions, as laws differ based on your location.

How much money can you make on OnlyFans? 

Top earners can make millions annually, while the average creator earns $150-180 per month, around $2,000 per year. OnlyFans income distribution is uneven, with the top 1% earning 33% of total revenue, and the top 10% taking 73%.

How do you pay for OnlyFans?

OnlyFans accept Visa/MasterCard, Discover, Maestro/ Debit cards, and some Prepaid Visa cards. For more information, you can visit https://onlyfans.com/help/2/13/46.

How do you delete OnlyFans account? 

To delete OnlyFans account, follow these steps:

1. Go to Settings and select Delete Account.

2. Enter the captcha displayed on the Settings Page.

3. Your account will be deleted, and you'll receive a confirmation email.

Once deleted, your account cannot be restored, and you must create a new one. An email confirmation will be sent upon successful deletion of your account

Written by Reshmita Das

Say hello to Reshmita Das, the chief editor of Mobicip Blogs and a dedicated advocate for children’s online safety. With over 8 years of experience, Reshmita brings a wealth of knowledge to her role as Mobicip’s Marketing and Communications Manager. She’s passionate about helping parents navigate the digital world to keep kids safe online. When she’s not crafting insightful content, you might find her having meaningful conversations about life and building new friendships over a cozy coffee chat.