Britain issues first online safety fine to US website 4chan, and it’s a real head-scratcher for so many reasons. Firstly, the sheer audacity of trying to fine a website that’s notoriously anonymous, globally accessible, and based in the US is almost comical. It’s like trying to nail jelly to a wall. The comments are pretty much split between those who see this as a toothless gesture and those who think it’s a worrying sign of things to come.
The practicalities are what really trip people up. How do you even enforce a fine against a platform like 4chan? The servers aren’t in the UK, the people running it are likely scattered across the globe, and good luck getting any of them to willingly comply.… Continue reading
Controversial online forums 4chan and Kiwi Farms are taking legal action against the UK’s communications regulator, Ofcom, in a US Federal Court. The legal complaint seeks to prevent Ofcom from enforcing the Online Safety Act against them in the US, arguing that US businesses without a UK presence are not subject to British legislation and that the Act violates US free speech protections. Lawyers representing 4chan have stated that Ofcom has provisionally decided to impose a fine for non-compliance with information requests. Ofcom alleges that 4chan has not complied with the act and is investigating its adherence to duties aimed at protecting users from illegal content.
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4chan’s legal representation has declared the online message board will not comply with fines imposed by the UK’s media regulator, Ofcom, under the Online Safety Act. The lawyer, Preston Byrne, stated that Ofcom’s notices hold no legal weight in the United States and viewed the investigation as harassment against US tech firms. 4chan, a US-incorporated company, asserts its protection under the First Amendment and will not pay the proposed £20,000 fine and subsequent daily penalties. They plan to seek relief in US federal court if necessary and have already briefed US authorities on their stance.
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The Children’s Commissioner for England has called for action to prevent children from using VPNs to circumvent age verification on pornographic websites. VPNs, which mask a user’s location, can be used to bypass requirements of the Online Safety Act. This is considered a significant loophole that needs addressing. While the government acknowledges this concern, a spokesperson has stated there are no plans to ban VPNs, as they are legal tools for adults.
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Tyler Webb, 23, has become the first person sentenced under the Online Safety Act 2023, receiving a nine-year and four-month prison sentence with a hospital order for encouraging serious self-harm and suicide online. After grooming his victim in an online forum, Webb persuaded her to self-harm and repeatedly instructed her to attempt suicide over a live video call, which failed. The judge described Webb’s actions as sexually motivated, and the CPS noted Webb’s digital devices contained disturbing images, reflecting his dangerous and manipulative behavior. This case marks a critical test of the new legislation, which aims to combat harmful online content, and it has opened the door for similar charges against others.
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Negotiations between the UK and US to avoid tariffs imposed by the Trump administration included discussions regarding the UK’s digital services tax and Online Safety Act. The White House opposes the digital services tax, while concerns exist in the US regarding the Online Safety Act’s impact on free speech. While neither act is expected to be fully repealed, modifications to lessen their impact on US tech companies are under consideration. The UK government maintains its commitment to protecting children online, but is exploring ways to amend the Online Safety Act to reach a trade agreement.
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Under the Online Safety Act, all UK websites hosting pornographic content, including social media platforms, must implement robust age verification by July. This Ofcom mandate, prompted by research showing widespread underage exposure to online pornography, requires methods like photo ID or credit card checks. While some support the move as essential for safer online spaces, concerns remain that stricter verification will drive users to unregulated, potentially more harmful, online areas. The new rules also affect sites using AI to generate pornography, requiring immediate implementation of age checks.
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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker