OnlyFans has issued a statement to sex workers on its platform after revealing that it would be banning "sexually explicit" content from October 1.
The social media site announced its decision to prohibit pornographic content in a statement last week, which read in part:
"In order to ensure the long-term sustainability of our platform, and continue to host an inclusive community of creators and fans, we must evolve our content guidelines."
BBC News reports that the decision was made as a result of pressure from banking partners.
Creators will still be able to share nude content, but it must be in line with the site's new rules and regulations. "Creators will continue to be allowed to post content containing nudity as long as it is consistent with our Acceptable Use Policy," the statement clarified.
However, the overwhelming response online has been of the opinion that OnlyFans has "turned its back" on sex workers - who have helped to make the website so popular.
One OnlyFans creator, who goes by the name Venus on the site, tweeted: "Onlyfans catered their platform almost exclusively to sex workers, built their wealth and popularity off the backs of sex workers, and within only a year ditched the creators who made their empire so they can cater to banks. Even if you don’t use the site you should be p***ed."
You can read more responses from sex workers and OnlyFans creators HERE.
Now, OnlyFans has issued a statement to sex workers on its official Twitter page, along with an explanation for the new direction. The statement reads:
"Dear Sex Workers,
"The OnlyFans community would not be what it is today without you.
"The policy change was necessary to secure banking and payment services to support you.
"We are working around the clock to come up with solutions."
The statement was concluded with the hashtag "#SexWorkIsWork".
However, response to the tweet has been largely negative, with one OF creator commenting: "So instead of dropping Visa/MC you chose to drop us, the people who built your platform.
"You NEVER promoted us, only random fitness instructors and celebrities. WE brought the traffic. And you kicked us to the curb instead of standing up for us against the payment services."
A second OF creator also scorned the platform, writing: "Liars. You took the easy way out. You’ve deprived millions of sex workers of their sole income. You could have implemented better moderation, but instead, you’ve totally f***ed us over with barely any time to plan for the future. Just remember, we made you."
BBC News reports that OnlyFan's popularity only continued to soar throughout the pandemic, and the site now boasts 130 million users.
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