The British regulator Ofcom has imposed a penalty for the first time under the new Online Safety Act. The notorious image forum 4chan should now really pay and change its behavior – otherwise the fine will continue to increase every day.
Ofcom had already threatened to impose a fine of 20,000 pounds (around 23,000 euros) some time ago. Because 4chan refused to provide information about the risks of illegal content on their service.
According to Ofcom 4chan did not respond to an initial request for a risk analysis or a second request related to the site’s global operations. The regulator has now announced that in the future it will take consistent action against providers who “flagrantly fail to fulfill their obligations under the Online Safety Act”.
The law, which came into force last year, requires online services to take action against illegal content and, in particular, to better protect children and vulnerable users. It is considered one of the strictest online security laws in Europe and has caused resentment in the technology industry, particularly in the United States. Critics fear restrictions on freedom of expression and excessive control by state authorities. British Technology Minister Liz Kendall supported the authority’s actions: “This fine is a clear warning to all providers who tolerate illegal content or do not adequately protect children from harmful material,” she told the Reuters news agency. The approach shows that Great Britain is determined to hold online platforms more accountable.
4chan, together with the equally controversial platform Kiwi Farms, filed a lawsuit against Ofcom in the USA in August. Both operators argue that the enforcement of the British law violates fundamental US rights, particularly freedom of speech under the First Amendment. The lawsuit accused Ofcom of “threatening communication” and undue interference in the business processes of US companies. If 4chan continues to fail to provide information, Ofcom wants to increase the fine by £100 a day, at least for a period of up to 60 days. The authority could also ban internet providers in the UK from providing access to the website.
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