Regulator imposes its first penalty under the UK's new online safety legislation, signalling a firm stance on illegal content and platform accountability amid ongoing investigations into sites like 4chan.
Ofcom has taken a significant enforcement step under the UK's new Online Safety Act by fining the US-based social media platform 4chan £20,000 for failing to comply with statutory information requests. The regulator had asked 4chan to provide its illegal harms risk assessment along with details of its qualifying worldwide revenue—documents essential to Ofcom’s ability to properly regulate and investigate online platforms to safeguard internet users.
This fine marks the first usage of Ofcom’s punitive powers under the recently enacted Online Safety Act, which aims to protect children and vulnerable individuals from illegal and harmful online material. The Act imposes a legal obligation on internet services to respond promptly and accurately to regulators’ information requests. 4chan’s failure to do so has prompted Ofcom to escalate the matter, imposing an additional £100 daily penalty starting 14 October, to be applied for up to 60 days or until the information is provided.
Controversial for its anonymous, unmoderated content-sharing, 4chan has long been associated with extremist groups and harmful content, making its regulation a priority under the government’s commitment to online safety. Liz Kendall, the UK Secretary of State for Technology, described the fine as a “clear warning” to firms that disregard the Online Safety Act. Speaking publicly, she emphasised that the legislation offers a vital lifeline for protecting people across the UK, especially children, from the devastating impact of illegal content such as material encouraging self-harm or suicide.
“This fine is a clear warning to those who fail to remove illegal content or protect children from harmful material,” Kendall stated. “We fully back the regulator in taking action against all platforms that do not protect users from the darkest corners of the internet.”
Ofcom’s broader enforcement activity under the Act is ongoing. The regulator has opened 21 investigations covering 69 sites and apps, demonstrating a rigorous commitment to holding online platforms accountable and ensuring robust safety measures are in place to prevent exploitation and harm. This comprehensive approach signals the UK’s determination to lead the way in responsible AI and digital innovation, balancing freedom of expression with user protection.
While some observers suggest the £20,000 fine may appear modest given the scale of 4chan’s challenges, the imposition of daily penalties highlights Ofcom’s resolve to maintain pressure until compliance is achieved. The platform’s refusal to cooperate raises wider questions about the responsibilities of multinational tech companies in adhering to national regulations designed to create safer online environments.
Overall, this enforcement action underscores the UK’s proactive stance on digital regulation, reflecting a positive step toward establishing a safer and more accountable internet landscape. The Online Safety Act’s implementation illustrates the government’s ambition to build the best environment for responsible digital innovation while confronting the complex realities posed by platforms like 4chan that have historically operated with minimal oversight.
Source: Noah Wire Services
