Britain Slaps 4chan with Landmark Fine Under New Online Safety Regime
Britain has fined internet forum 4chan £20,000 for not providing information about illegal content risks, marking the first penalty under the new online safety law. This action is part of a broader regulatory effort to protect vulnerable users from harmful online content.
- Country:
- United Kingdom
In a significant move to enforce the newly established online safety regime, Britain imposed a £20,000 fine on the U.S.-based internet forum site 4chan for non-compliance. The fine comes after 4chan failed to provide necessary information on the risks of illegal content on its platform.
Media watchdog Ofcom stated that the fine against 4chan is the first of its kind under the new online safety regulations aimed at safeguarding children and vulnerable users from illegal online content. Ofcom's Director of Enforcement, Suzanne Cater, remarked that this penalty serves as a warning to other service providers who neglect their responsibilities.
Amidst criticism that the law might suppress free speech and unfairly target U.S. companies, 4chan and another forum, Kiwi Farms, have filed lawsuits in the U.S., claiming these regulations violate their freedom of expression. Ofcom has warned the fine will accumulate if 4chan remains uncooperative, possibly leading to a disruption of its services in the UK.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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