The UK’s Online Safety Act, passed in 2023 and enforced from 2025, is designed to make social media and online platforms responsible for protecting users from harmful or illegal content.
Under the Online Safety Act, companies that allow their users to post online have to take steps to manage illegal content. An example of this is pornography websites that have to age-verify their users to prevent young people from accessing the content.
Other platforms also have to help safeguard users from images of abuse or content that may influence them to self-harm.
Under the law, Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, has the power to find, fine and even block websites that are not being compliant. And the fines don’t come cheap, with some reaching far into the millions depending on the level of offence. The act also has the right to charge managers for refusing to comply with Ofcom and hand over information.
After it was launched, the act received mixed reviews, with some celebrating the move to protect people online and others complaining that it was a form of government censoring.
Ofcom Fines 4chan In First Case
Since launching earlier this year, Ofcom hadn’t yet issued a fine for breaching the Online Safety Act…until now.
Just this week, it was announced that Ofcom has fined US internet forum 4chan £20,000 for not sharing their content risk assessments and global revenue. Ofcom said that 4chan ignored 2 requests for the information – even though they have a legal obligation to share it.
According to Reuters, the fine will increase by £100 per day for up to 60 days until the information is sent over, which could add another £6,000 to the total. If the 60 days is up and the information still isn’t sent, Ofcom has the authority to block UK access to the site altogether.
Technology minister Liz Kendall showed her support by commenting that “This fine is a clear warning to those who fail to remove illegal content or protect children from harmful material.”
Suzanne Cater, Director of Enforcement at Ofcom, said: “Today sends a clear message that any service which flagrantly fails to engage with Ofcom and their duties under the Online Safety Act can expect to face robust enforcement action.
“We’re also seeing some services take steps to introduce improved safety measures as a direct result of our enforcement action. Services who choose to restrict access rather than protect U.K. users remain on our watchlist as we continue to monitor their availability to U.K. users.” (Politico)
What is 4chan?
4chan, founded in 2003, was initially launched as an image-based forum for anime and manga fans.
One of its main features is that users can anonymously post images, which others can respond to and engage with. As one Reddit user put it, ‘think of it like Reddit, but every single post needs to be attached with an image’.
Historically, 4chan has been seen as controversial due to its lack of moderation and its usage to spread misinformation, hate speech and offensive content.
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4chan Not The Only Company In Ofcom’s Firing Line
Since the Online Safety Act came into effect, Ofcom has opened 21 investigations into sites that it believes are not protecting its users.
Some of the companies involved include pornography websites that are refusing to put age checks into place as well as file-sharing sites that may be used to share illegal material.
Many websites have simply responded by blocking UK users altogether to avoid any penalties.
4chan Bites Back
Back in August, 4chan, along with Kiwi Farms, filed a lawsuit in the US against Ofcom. Both websites claimed that the Online Safety Act violated American free speech rights, which is a core element of the constitution.
Ofcom didn’t back down, citing that the fine would only increase if the information wasn’t shared.
What Happens Next?
If 4chan continues to ignore Ofcom’s requests, it could have an extra £6,000 added to its fine and potentially be blocked in The UK.
As the first fine for the Online Safety Act, it will be interesting to see how many companies actually comply, and how many simply shrug it off. For US platforms in particular, simply blocking out UK users might end up being the solution. Is that good for the UK? Only time will tell…
