On July 15, Chinese government officially blocked access to the UK-based website OnlyFans, cutting off all the workarounds China OnlyFans users had been using to access the website and extending control over foreign online content.
Beijing’s ongoing attempt to claim control over its digital territory is lastly seen with its actions against OnlyFans, which was never was officially approved in Chinese mainland. Yet, a recent technical incident briefly made the site accessible without a VPN, sparking rumors of policy relaxation.
However, that window shut quickly enough, and the authorities now insist they banned OnlyFans, making it absolutely clear that websites posing a challenge to state values will not be tolerated.
OnlyFans Banned in China as Part of Wider Tech Crackdown
The blocking of the platform is part of a wider trend of moral governance on the internet in China. Authorities branded OnlyFans a “symbol of Western moral decay” and a site that encourages unregulated and “harmful” ideas. Even though types of OnlyFans content ranged from adult content to lifestyle and fitness, the image of the platform triggered immediate action.
Beijing prides itself on censoring web platforms that are not in line with its values, with Facebook and Instagram being banned in previous years as well. The OnlyFans censorship and the ban follow suit.
Over the years, questions like “Is OnlyFans legal in China?” have been circulated by interested users, but now the answer is point-blank NO. Getting access to it, even through a VPN, is difficult and legally dangerous.
Those who wish to track top OnlyFans content creators or become ones now have a complete cutoff.
Beijing Pushes Back Against Foreign Influence
China’s regulators have historically defended their internet controls to maintain social and cultural stability. The shutdown of China OnlyFans shows this trend is full condensation ahead.
Even though the site was temporarily available, commenters laughed that it might be the answer to youth unemployment. The government also referred to OnlyFans terms of service prohibited content that its material is contrary to China’s national law and rules. With these principles in mind, websites beyond China’s permitted range will continue to be blocked.
The story of OnlyFans banned in China is not the only one, it is a live case to attempt to shape the country’s digital destiny. For now, China OnlyFans is locked down and it will likely stay that way.
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