- Ofcom fines 4chan $25,000 after ignoring requests for online harms risk assessment.
- 4chan plans to challenge the fine, citing free speech protections under the US Constitution.
What happened: 4chan fined $25,000 for ignoring Ofcom requests
Ofcom has levied a $25,000 fine on 4chan for its failure to respond to requests for information under the UK’s Online Safety Act. The controversial legislation requires service providers to assess and mitigate the risk of illegal content on their platforms. This includes removing harmful material such as content encouraging self-harm or suicide.
4chan, a US-based online forum known for its controversial and often unmoderated content, ignored Ofcom’s requests for its online harms risk assessment and for financial information. Ofcom’s role, as a regulator under the Act, is to ensure platforms comply with safety measures and protect UK users from harmful online content.
In addition to the $25,000 penalty, 4chan faces a daily fine of $125 for up to 60 days or until it complies with the information requests, whichever comes sooner.
Also read: Ofcom launches AI strategy for telecoms and online safety
Also read: Ofcom enforces Online Safety Act
Why it’s important
This fine marks the first instance of the Online Safety Act being used to enforce compliance from an overseas platform. The government views the legislation as a crucial step in holding tech firms accountable for the spread of harmful online content. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall described it as a “lifeline” for protecting vulnerable users, especially young people.
However, the case also raises significant legal challenges. 4chan has stated it will not pay the fine, arguing that the Online Safety Act does not apply to US-based companies. The platform’s legal team has framed the legislation as an infringement on free speech protected by the First Amendment of the US Constitution. Additionally, 4chan has joined Kiwi Farms in a lawsuit against Ofcom, claiming that the Online Safety Act violates Americans’ civil rights.
The dispute between 4chan and Ofcom has the potential to escalate into a major legal battle, testing the limits of the UK’s authority over foreign internet companies.
