OnlyFans has ‘temporarily paused’ Russian creators’ accounts

Image: Alex Castro / The Verge

OnlyFans has paused and said it can no longer serve Russian creators. The company confirmed the change in a statement today.

Despite economic sanctions, Russian creators were allowed to stay on the subscription-based platform popularized by sex workers. Rolling Stone reported in February that Russian OnlyFans creators lost access to their accounts. OnlyFans said it had restored access and that it would have full functions if we continued to have payment methods to support them.

On Thursday, the company said it was taking steps to stop accounts from receiving payments in Russia. The company said in a statement that it had explored several options to continue providing services to creators impacted by the Russia/Ukraine war, but that it had a further tightening of payment restrictions to and from Russia.

It wasn't immediately clear how OnlyFans was supporting Russian accounts. The company did not respond to a request for comment.

Russian creators have seen the number of platforms they are able to use diminish since Russia invaded neighboring Ukraine. After Russian storefronts were banned in March, a mass disappearance of cross-stitch designers was noticed by American crafter. Russian YouTubers have had to find new ways to make money after Russia banned ad sales. As companies cease operations in Russia, creators are left with little recourse.