In a statement on Monday, Ofcom said 4chan ignored two formal requests: one for a copy of its illegal harms risk assessment, and another concerning its qualifying worldwide operations. The regulator warned that it would not hesitate to act against any online service that “flagrantly fails to engage with Ofcom and their duties under the Online Safety Act.”
The Online Safety Act, enacted to protect children and vulnerable users from exposure to harmful or illegal content online, has been a source of friction between the British government and U.S. tech companies. Critics argue that the law infringes on free speech and imposes undue regulatory pressure on international platforms.
Technology Minister Liz Kendall said the government fully supports Ofcom’s enforcement actions.
“This fine is a clear warning to those who fail to remove illegal content or protect children from harmful material,” she said.
4chan and another controversial forum site, Kiwi Farms, have already filed a lawsuit in the United States against Ofcom, claiming the regulator’s actions violate Americans’ constitutional rights to free speech. The suit alleges that Ofcom sent “threatening communications” to U.S.-based internet firms, interfering with their lawful operations.
Ofcom stated that if 4chan continues to withhold the requested information, the fine will increase by £100 per day starting Tuesday, for up to 60 days, or until compliance is achieved. Should 4chan persist in non-compliance, Ofcom has the authority to block access to the site in the UK by directing internet service providers to restrict it.
The regulator also disclosed that two file-sharing services have acted to stop the distribution of child sexual abuse material following Ofcom’s intervention, while four others have “geo-blocked” UK users in response to enforcement measures.
The move marks a significant step in Britain’s efforts to enforce its sweeping online safety legislation, signaling that even foreign-based tech companies are expected to comply with its standards for protecting users and curbing illegal content.