Quick Takeaways
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Ofcom has fined 4chan £20,000 ($26,700) for not complying with information requests under the UK’s Online Safety Act, marking its first fine under the new law.
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The regulator launched its investigation after complaints about illegal content on 4chan, demanding insight into its illegal harms risk assessment and global revenue.
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4chan has resisted compliance, previously filing a lawsuit against Ofcom, claiming the Online Safety Act infringes on Americans’ free speech rights.
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Ofcom is imposing an additional £100 ($133) daily penalty until 4chan provides the requested information, signaling a strong stance on protecting children from harmful online content.
UK Regulator Fines 4chan for Noncompliance with Online Safety Act
Ofcom has penalized 4chan with a £20,000 ($26,700) fine for ignoring requests related to the UK’s Online Safety Act. This fine marks the first enforcement action under new regulations aimed at protecting children from harmful online content.
The regulator’s investigation began in June after complaints surfaced about illegal content on the anonymous forum. Ofcom requested a risk assessment of illegal harms and details about 4chan’s global revenue. However, the website has not complied. In response, 4chan filed a lawsuit against Ofcom, claiming the act infringes on American free speech rights.
“This fine serves as a clear warning for those who do not act against illegal content or protect vulnerable users,” said Liz Kendall, the UK Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology. Additionally, Ofcom will impose a fine of £100 ($133) per day until 4chan complies with its requests.
Ofcom’s actions extend beyond 4chan. The regulator has also identified compliance concerns with two file-sharing services, which now use automated systems to detect and remove child sexual abuse material. Conversely, four other services chose to block UK users entirely, prompting Ofcom to close their cases.
As urban innovation continues to evolve, such regulatory actions highlight the importance of keeping online spaces safe. The emphasis on safety reflects a broader commitment to responsible technology use in smart cities, ensuring that children access safe, engaging online environments.
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