Is OnlyFans Safe?

If you use or plan to use OnlyFans, you need to know: Is OnlyFans safe? 

Below, we explain whether OnlyFans is: 

• Safe to use. 
• Good for privacy. 

We also give some steps you can take to improve both your safety and privacy when using this online service. 

What Is OnlyFans?

OnlyFans is a content subscription service that allows creators to earn money when users subscribe to see their content. 

It was launched in 2016 by Tim Stokely and is based in London, United Kingdom. 

The platform is known for its flexible content guidelines, allowing creators to post a wide range of content, from fitness and cooking tutorials to more adult-oriented material.

OnlyFans works based on a subscription model. Users pay a monthly fee to access exclusive content from their favorite creators. Creators set their own subscription rates, and OnlyFans takes a percentage of the earnings. In addition to subscriptions, creators can earn money through tips, pay-per-view content, and one-time payments for specific content.

Creators have full control over their content and can decide what to share and how to interact with their subscribers. OnlyFans provides various tools for creators to manage their privacy and security, such as blocking specific users and watermarking content to prevent unauthorized sharing.

OnlyFans has faced scrutiny and controversy due to mostly being host to adult content.

Is OnlyFans Safe?

Whether or not OnlyFans is safe to use depends on various factors, including how the platform is used and the precautions taken by both creators and subscribers. 

For example, creators should use watermarks to deter unauthorized content sharing. However, there is always a risk of content being leaked or distributed without permission. Subscribers, in turn, need to be careful about the authenticity of the content and creators they follow to avoid scams. 

When it comes to payments, OnlyFans uses secure payment methods to protect both creators and subscribers from having their financial information stolen. 

OnlyFans protects user data through safeguards like sensitive data encryption and data backups. That said, it also says, “We do not make guarantees, including about the security of how you provide your data to us.”

In its Transparency Center, OnlyFans says it has an independent third party – “Monitor” – that reviews its safety program, including its procedures, policies, and employees, to ensure the platform is as safe as possible. Only Fans even gives the name of its Monitor (Michael W. Ward, a lawyer at the global law firm Baker Botts).

According to OnlyFans, it is the first social media platform to implement a voluntary monitorship.

OnlyFans attracted attention in 2021 when it was noted that former employees with the company could still access creator personal data (including identification and biometric data) long after leaving the company. Is it not known whether this security incident was remedied. 

There have also been reports of user accounts being hacked into. 

Is OnlyFans Private?

Depends on your definition of “private.” 

Both creators and subscribers can use pseudonyms or secret usernames and avoid sharing personal details to maintain some privacy. 

Creators can also block users from specific countries or even IP addresses. Although this feature can help you prevent people from your area from finding your OnlyFans account, the existence of virtual private networks (VPNs) means it’s not foolproof.

For adult content creators, there’s always the risk that someone will try to out you (it has allegedly happened before). It could even impact your professional life. 

Looking at OnlyFans’ privacy policy, the service collects a significant amount of information to operate effectively and ensure security, compliance, and payment processing. 

For example, even though some OnlyFans accounts are free, subscribers still need to share their credit card information with the platform. OnlyFans does not allow payment through prepaid cards (with the exception of some prepaid Visa cards), gift cards, or PayPal. 

This lack of private payment methods could prove problematic for some. In 2021, a UK mortgage adviser said he had seen some OnlyFans subscribers being turned down for a mortgage due to recurring transactions to the platform. 

OnlyFans also uses face recognition technology for age and identity verification. In 2021, a class action lawsuit alleged that this violates the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act. 

According to OnlyFans Transparency Center, OnlyFans does not sell users’ personal data to third-party advertisers or use any cross-site tracking technologies. 

Terms of Service; Didn’t Read, a project that rates internet services’ terms of service and privacy policies, hasn’t given OnlyFans an aggregated grade yet. However, the project is concerned that OnlyFans collects many types of personal data, including biometric data. 

How to Improve Your Safety and Privacy on OnlyFans

Depending on how you use OnlyFans, you can improve your safety and privacy on the site in different ways.

If you’re a creator:

• Use a pseudonym. Create a unique username and use a stage name instead of your real name. Avoid using any part of your real name or other identifiable information.
• Hide your personal details. Avoid sharing personal information, such as your real name, address, phone number, and other identifiable details in your profile, posts, or private messages.
• Use watermarks. Add watermarks to your photos and videos to discourage unauthorized sharing. Watermarks should include your username or other identifying marks that trace back to your account.
• Enable geo-blocking. Use the geo-blocking feature to restrict access to your content from specific countries or regions. This can help prevent people from your local area from finding your content.
• Control who can subscribe. Consider setting your account to approve subscribers manually. This gives you control over who can view your content and interact with you.
• Monitor your content. Regularly search the internet for your content to ensure it hasn’t been shared without your permission. Use reverse image search tools to help with this.

If you’re a subscriber:

• Use an alias. Subscribe with a username that doesn’t reveal your real identity. Avoid using any part of your real name or other identifiable information.
• Control visibility. Keep your subscription status and interactions private. Be cautious about commenting or interacting with content if you want to maintain some level of privacy.

In general:

• Keep your account safe. Use strong, unique passwords for your OnlyFans account and any associated email accounts. Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords.
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA). Activate 2FA to add an extra layer of security to your account. This requires a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your phone, in addition to your password.
• Educate yourself. Keep up to date with OnlyFans’ privacy policy and any changes to their terms of service. Be aware of the platform’s features and how to use them to your advantage.
• Use discreet email addresses. Use a separate email address for your OnlyFans account that doesn’t reveal your identity. This helps keep your OnlyFans activities separate from your personal life.
• Be cautious with private messages. Be mindful of the information you share in private messages. Avoid discussing personal details and be wary of anyone asking for such information.