AN East Lancashire woman who has made £2million from a website where people share pictures and videos with subscribers says its ban on sexual material could ruin her livelihood.
Website OnlyFans recently announced that it is banning sexually explicit images – and one creator thinks the guidance and rules issued by the company need to be clearer.
The social media platform, which is used by sex workers but also celebrities, musicians and comedians, allows “creators” to share pictures and videos with viewers who pay a monthly fee.
From October 1, the content subscription service is banning sexually explicit images and videos.
Kaya Corbridge, of Colne, believes more clarity should be given to some of the men and women on the platform after saying the sudden announcement has been “confusing”.
The 24-year-old started her OnlyFans account after being a “skint student” at Leeds Beckett University in September 2017.
She said: “I couldn’t afford to eat after receiving the grant from the government.
- READ MORE: OnlyFans to ban sexually explicit content
“My parents couldn’t afford to send me money. There were no other jobs and I applied for so many other since starting uni.”
However, Kaya soon gained popularity on the site and she quit her degree course in international relations and global development.
In the four years that followed she became one of the platform’s top one per cent of earners.
Since starting her OnlyFans account she has made more than £2million from her subscribers who pay for nude pictures, videos and more.
Her account has allowed her to be 'independent, explore the world and generate a healthy income'.
Kaya added: “OnlyFans thanked me in the early days because I broke the market for ‘normal girls’ to do it because I had so many referrals.”
However, OnlyFans has left Kaya and many other creators like her confused about of their future and what move to make next.
She said: “I don’t know if I am in denial but I don’t feel scared or panicked.
“I have quite a few ideas and options. I’ve been doing it for four years so I have plenty of investments.
“I don’t have expensive bills to pay or anything like that which I know a lot of other girls will do.
“I feel content and safe in that respect.”
A spokesperson for OnlyFans said creators will be able to post content containing nudity as long as it follows guidelines.
They said: “Effective 1 October, 2021, OnlyFans will prohibit the posting of any content containing sexually-explicit conduct.
“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.
“Creators will continue to be allowed to post content containing nudity as long as it is consistent with our Acceptable Use Policy.
“These changes are to comply with the requests of our banking partners and pay out providers.
“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.”
However, Kaya adds that she and other creators need OnlyFans to give them some clearer rules and guidance.
She explains: “The rules aren’t that clear – a lot of the girls have gone to the company to ask for more details. There are so many answers that we need to know before we can make a decision.”
Ms Corbridge adds that other platforms might have the same limitations in place.
She said: “I’m thinking that whatever company you sign up with will have the same issues – especially if it’s coming from the powers above.”
Kaya says said there is still a lot of confusion and discrimination surrounding the sex worker industry which makes it difficult to navigate a career.
She said: “Even before this I had banks shut me down for no reason.
“It’s the same with getting mortgages – some girls have experienced issues with this.
“It’s unbelievable how the tax man wants your money but no one else does.”
Kaya is confident that she will be able to navigate the platform changes.
She said: “There’s so many factors to think about which is why I’m not rushing to change platform.
“I can adapt my page and make things different to encourage my subscribers to stay."
The London-based company said in a statement: “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.
“These changes are to comply with the requests of our banking partners and pay out providers.
“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.”
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