OnlyFans Becomes Accessible in China Amid Internet Censorship
OnlyFans, a popular subscription-based platform known for its adult content, has quietly become accessible in China after years of being blocked by government censorship.
Reports of the platform’s availability surfaced on social media last week, with users on X noting that the site was functional. By November 29, GreatFire.org, an organisation monitoring online freedom in China, confirmed the unblocking of OnlyFans. Previously, the site had been sporadically accessible for brief periods, but its current availability marks a significant change.
China’s government is known for its strict regulation of internet content, blocking thousands of websites, including platforms that host pornography, which is illegal in the country. Beijing’s zero-tolerance stance on explicit material makes OnlyFans’ accessibility unexpected.
The news has sparked humour and debate on Chinese social media platforms like Weibo, where users joked that the development might serve as an unconventional solution to the country’s youth unemployment crisis. Posts playfully suggested that recent graduates, faced with a challenging job market, could use the platform as a source of income.
“Isn’t this another measure to provide employment?” one user quipped.
“This is a good company that gives creators 90% of the income! Isn’t it better than actual work?” another added.
China’s youth unemployment rate for those aged 16-24, excluding students, was recorded at 17.1% in October, down slightly from previous highs. The government’s suspension of youth unemployment statistics last year and subsequent reintroduction with a new methodology have drawn criticism for perceived opacity.
While OnlyFans is best known for hosting sexually explicit content, it has expanded to include a range of material, such as fitness tutorials, music, and other creative outputs. In 2023, the platform launched a porn-free streaming service offering comedy and sports-related programming, broadening its appeal.
The sudden accessibility of OnlyFans in China raises questions about its longevity under Beijing’s internet policies and whether it signals a shift in the government’s approach to content regulation. For now, the platform’s unblocking has provided fodder for online discourse, sparking conversations about its implications for China’s digital landscape and economic challenges.