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Online forum 4Chan has been fined £20,000 by Ofcom for ignoring requests to share information about the risk of illegal content on its platform, as the watchdog steps up pressure on the US firm to meet its online security rules.
The communications regulator said 4Chan failed to provide a copy of its illegal loss risk assessment or information related to its eligible worldwide revenues.
Ofcom said it was therefore fining 4Chan £20,000 for breaching its requirements.
The watchdog will also impose daily fines of £100 per day for 60 days or until 4chan provides the information it requires.
Suzanne Cater, director of enforcement at Ofcom, said: “Today sends a clear message that any service that clearly fails to engage with Ofcom and their duties under the Online Safety Act can expect to face strong enforcement action.”
New online safety protections for children and adults came into force on July 25 under the UK’s Online Safety Act, which imposes new duties on platforms to remove illegal and harmful content.
In August, 4Chan launched a legal case against Ofcom in the US over claims it attempted to “censor” the website.
In a legal complaint, representatives of the website said that the Online Security Act was being used to “target free speech rights”. American Citizens” and the purpose of the lawsuit was to “stop Ofcom’s conduct and its persistent serious violations of Americans’ civil rights.”
The regulator began investigating 4Chan in June after receiving complaints about illegal activity on the site.
Ofcom says any UK-related service has a duty to protect UK users under the new rules, regardless of where in the world it is located.
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall Said: “The Online Safety Act is not just law, it is a lifeline.
“Today we have seen this in action, with platforms in mind so we can protect people across the UK.
“Services can no longer ignore illegal content, such as encouraging self-harm or suicide, being spread online that can devastate young lives and tear families apart.
“This fine is a clear warning to those who fail to remove illegal content or protect children from harmful content.
“We fully support the regulator in taking action against all platforms that do not protect users from the darkest corners of the internet.”