The online forum 4chan, a US-based imageboard platform, is facing regulatory action in the United Kingdom for failing to comply with requirements under the Online Safety Act regarding harmful and illegal content.
The UK communications regulator Ofcom issued fines totalling £520,000, including £450,000 for failing to introduce effective age verification measures to prevent children from accessing pornographic material. Additional penalties were issued for failing to conduct a required risk assessment of illegal content and for failing to outline user protection measures in its terms of service.
Regulators said platforms operating in the UK must implement safeguards to limit access to age-restricted content and assess risks related to illegal material. Ofcom stated that 4chan did not meet these obligations and must take corrective action by a set deadline or face additional daily penalties.
4chan has indicated it does not intend to comply with the enforcement measures. Legal representatives for the platform said the company operates under US law and argued that UK law does not apply to its services in the same way. They also stated that enforcing such penalties could conflict with protections for speech under US law.
The regulator said companies providing services accessible in the UK are required to follow national rules regardless of where they are based. Ofcom added that enforcement actions may include financial penalties and additional measures if companies fail to comply with legal obligations.
The case follows a broader investigation into how platforms manage access to harmful material, including content that may be accessible to minors. Authorities said the enforcement action is part of ongoing efforts to ensure that online services implement safeguards required under the law.
4chan has been given a deadline to introduce compliance measures. If the platform does not meet these requirements, regulators may impose further penalties or pursue additional enforcement steps under the legislation.