Ofcom issues £20,000 fine to US website 4chan

Ignored multiple requests for online harms assessment

Ofcom has issued its first-ever fine under the new Online Safety Act, targeting the controversial US-based internet forum 4chan for failing to cooperate with regulatory demands.

In a statement released on Monday, Ofcom said it had fined 4chan £20,000 for failing to provide information about the risks of illegal content on its platform.

The site, which has long faced criticism for hosting extremist, violent, and explicit material, allegedly ignored multiple requests from Ofcom for a copy of its illegal harms risk assessment and other details related to its global operations.

The regulator added that the penalty will increase by £100 per day starting Tuesday, continuing for up to 60 days or until 4chan complies with the requests.

If 4chan continues to ignore the enforcement, Ofcom warned it could escalate by directing UK internet service providers (ISPs) to block access to the site entirely.

"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," said Suzanne Cater, Ofcom's Director of Enforcement.

Government backs enforcement effort

The move was met with strong support from the UK government.

Technology Minister Liz Kendall praised Ofcom for enforcing the new regulations, describing the Online Safety Act as "a lifeline" for internet users.

"The Online Safety Act is not just law - it's a lifeline. Today we've seen it in action, holding platforms to account so we can protect people across the UK," Kendall said.

"We fully back the regulator in taking action against all platforms that do not protect users from the darkest corners of the internet."

The Online Safety Act, passed in 2024, imposes stringent demands on digital platforms.

It requires online services to assess and mitigate risks related to illegal or harmful content, including child sexual abuse material, terrorism, and self-harm promotion.

In August, 4chan and another US forum, Kiwi Farms, filed a lawsuit in the United States against Ofcom, claiming the British regulator's actions violated American constitutional protections.

The lawsuit alleges that Ofcom sent "threatening communications" to US-based websites, infringing on their rights and interfering with operations.

Both 4chan and Kiwi Farms have long been accused of harbouring extremist and harmful content but have defended themselves on the grounds of free expression.

Ofcom said its crackdown extends beyond 4chan. Two file-sharing services, 1Fichier.com and Gofile.io, were previously investigated for distributing child sexual abuse material. After Ofcom raised concerns, both companies implemented stronger safeguards, leading the regulator to suspend further action.

Other online platforms have chosen to block access from the UK altogether rather than comply with the Online Safety Act.

According to Ofcom, four additional file-sharing services and one suicide forum have implemented "geoblocking" measures that restrict UK-based users. However, Ofcom cautioned that such measures must be genuine and not circumventable.

The suicide forum in question reportedly removed instructions on its homepage that encouraged UK users to bypass the block after Ofcom intervened.

The platform remains under investigation and on Ofcom's watchlist while regulators verify compliance.