Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said Ofcom’s fining of 4chan under the Online Safety Act is a ‘clear warning’ for those platforming illegal content.
4chan is a controversial website that allows users to post anonymously, and has a history of being used to spread extremist ideologies.
Ofcom has fined 4chan £20,000 after the website failed to respond to its request for a copy of its illegal harms risk assessment and a second request relating to its qualifying worldwide revenue.
Ofcom has also imposed a daily penalty of £100 per day starting from October 14 for either 60 days or until 4chan provides the requested information.
“The Online Safety Act is not just law, it’s a lifeline,” said Kendall. “Today we’ve seen it in action, holding platforms to account so we can protect people across the UK.
“Services can no longer ignore illegal content, like encouraging self-harm or suicide, circulating online which can devastate young lives and leaves families shattered.
“This fine is a clear warning to those who fail to remove illegal content or protect children from harmful material. We fully back the regulator in taking action against all platforms that do not protect users from the darkest corners of the internet.”
Ofcom said gathering accurate information from regulated companies is fundamental for its role in making life safer online for users in the UK.
To assess and monitor industry compliance with their safety duties, Ofcom routinely issues formal information requests and companies are required by law to respond in an ‘accurate, complete and timely way’.
