Britain's Landmark Action Against 4chan Over Online Safety Violations

Britain fined U.S. forum site 4chan £20,000 for failing to address illegal content risks, under the new online safety regime. Ofcom criticized 4chan's non-compliance and warned other platforms. The law, aimed at safeguarding users, has stirred controversy over free speech. 4chan and another forum site sued Ofcom in the U.S.

Britain's media regulator Ofcom issued a £20,000 fine to 4chan, a U.S.-based internet forum, for failing to cooperate with requests to assess illegal content risks on its platform. This is the first enforcement action under the new online safety regime.

The Online Safety Act aims to protect children and vulnerable users from harmful content, but has sparked tensions between U.S. tech firms and the UK. Technology Minister Liz Kendall supported the move, emphasizing the government's stance against illegal content and harm to children.

In a legal twist, 4chan and Kiwi Farms argue that Ofcom's enforcement breaches U.S. free speech rights. Ofcom warns of increasing fines and potential internet access restrictions if compliance isn't met, highlighting the international challenge of regulating online safety.

(With inputs from agencies.)