Launched in November 2016, OnlyFans recently became one of the world’s most prestigious platforms focused on independent content creators. Webcam models, influencers, and other web personalities can rely on the platform as a profitable source of income.
What happens when someone steals private content from OnlyFans? Read on to discover whether it is possible to take legal action in such cases.
OnlyFans Content Protection Policies – The Basics
OnlyFans Terms of Service expressly state that users cannot “reproduce, print, distribute, attempt to download, modify, create derivative works of, publicly display, publicly perform, republish, download, store or transmit any Content, except as permitted under the Terms of Service.”
Thousands of content creators depend on their OnlyFans accounts to earn a living or have an additional source of income. Stolen content results in monetary losses and other severe implications.
For example, if an OnlyFans user steals content from the platform, it can be instantly shared online. Eventually, an unauthorized third party may use the stolen content for monetization purposes.
When a content creator posts on OnlyFans, the content is directed exclusively to a select audience. Hence, publicly posting any copyrighted material stolen from OnlyFans may result in serious legal implications for the perpetrator.
In addition to the financial damage, leaking certain types of content posted on OnlyFans may also generate stress, emotional, and psychological harm for content creators (e.g., intimate photos).
OnlyFans has robust policies against the unauthorized recording or screenshotting of private content. One of the platform’s efforts to prevent a violation of these terms is a team focused solely on content moderation.
This team has disabled the ability for users to download videos directly from the platform’s website or app. However, many users resort to special apps for recording or screenshotting the private content displayed on the screen.
Can OnlyFans Creators Really Take Legal Action? – Taking a Closer Look
When someone steals OnlyFans content or incurs any similar actions associated with intellectual property, it is possible to take legal action and sue the perpetrator in court. Depending on the circumstances involved in the case, there are a few steps available before seeking legal action.
In such cases, the first reaction should be sending the perpetrator a DMCA takedown notice requesting the removal of any copyrighted content. Another good option is a cease-and-desist letter to request the infringing party to cease the misappropriation of content.
If these non-judicial solutions are not sufficient to stop the perpetrator’s actions, the next step may be to file a civil lawsuit based on grounds of copyright infringement or privacy torts. Depending on the severity of the infringement, it may be possible to file a criminal lawsuit against the perpetrator.
It is fundamental to consult with an experienced intellectual property attorney to assess your case and find the best strategy to prevent and combat the unauthorized use of OnlyFans content.
Have You Been a Victim of Copyright Infringement or Content Leaks on OnlyFans? – Immediately Seek Expert Legal Guidance
An experienced legal advisor in intellectual property law, Attorney Romy B. Jurado willingly wants to help protect your interests on OnlyFans. Contact us by calling (305) 921-0976 or emailing [email protected] for an individual consultation.
