Catenaa, Tuesday, October 16, 2025- UK telecom regulator Ofcom has imposed a £20,000 fine on online forum 4chan for failing to comply with the Online Safety Act, marking one of the first enforcement actions under the legislation.
The watchdog said 4chan ignored legally-binding requests for its online harms risk assessment and additional financial information.
Under the Online Safety Act, platforms must assess and mitigate risks of users encountering illegal content and promptly remove harmful material. The fine also carries a daily penalty of £100 for up to 60 days or until compliance.
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall emphasised the law’s protective role, noting that it holds platforms accountable for content that could encourage self-harm, suicide, or other illegal activity, safeguarding UK users, particularly children.
Ofcom said accurate reporting from regulated companies is essential for enforcing safety duties and monitoring compliance.
4chan, however, has signaled that it does not intend to pay the penalty, arguing that the law does not apply to US companies and framing the legislation as a threat to First Amendment-protected free speech.
The platform, alongside trolling forum Kiwi Farms, has sued Ofcom, claiming the Online Safety Act violates Americans’ civil rights.
The legal battle raises questions over Ofcom’s authority and could result in either the regulator banning 4chan or facing diplomatic pushback from Washington. The outcome is expected to clarify the reach of UK online safety regulations on overseas platforms.
