Ofcom Fines 4chan $26K for Ignoring UK Online Safety Act's Risk Assessment Mandate

UK Regulator Fines 4chan $26K for Refusing to Assess Risks Under Online Safety Act In a move that has sparked debate over the UK's Online Safety Act (OSA), Ofcom, the country's communications regulator, fined image-hosting board 4chan approximately $26,000 on Monday for failing to provide a risk assessment detailing potential harms of illegal content hosted on its forum. According to Ofcom, 4chan refused to respond to two "routine" requests for information: one asking for the risk assessment and another seeking the platform's "qualifying worldwide revenue." The regulator had previously warned that ignoring these requests would result in fines. In a statement provided to Ars, Ofcom said, "We have made it clear to 4chan that they need to comply with our requirements under the OSA, but unfortunately, they have chosen not to engage with us." The fine is the latest development in a lawsuit filed jointly by 4chan and online trolling forum Kiwi Farms against Ofcom in August. The suit seeks to permanently enjoin Ofcom from enforcing the OSA on these platforms. Background and Context The UK's Online Safety Act, which came into effect in April 2023, requires online services with more than 400,000 users to assess potential harms of illegal content hosted on their platforms. This includes identifying risks associated with child exploitation material, terrorist content, and other forms of prohibited content. Implications for Society The fine imposed on 4chan raises questions about the balance between free speech and regulation in the online space. While proponents argue that the OSA is necessary to protect users from harm, critics contend that it could lead to censorship and stifle innovation. "We're concerned that this fine will have a chilling effect on online discourse," said Sarah T. Roberts, a professor of information studies at UCLA and expert on online regulation. "The OSA's requirements are overly broad and may inadvertently drive platforms like 4chan underground." Current Status and Next Developments Ofcom has given 4chan 60 days to comply with the regulator's requests while risking additional daily penalties totaling approximately $130. If the platform continues to ignore Ofcom, it could face even bigger fines, potentially reaching up to $23 million. The outcome of this case will have significant implications for online platforms and their users in the UK. As the debate over online regulation continues, one thing is clear: the stakes are high, and the consequences of non-compliance can be severe. Additional Perspectives In a statement, 4chan's administrators acknowledged that they had anticipated the fine but expressed concerns about the OSA's requirements. "We believe that Ofcom's demands are unreasonable and will ultimately lead to censorship," they said. The case highlights the ongoing tension between online freedom of expression and regulatory efforts to protect users from harm. As the UK continues to navigate this complex issue, one thing is certain: the future of online regulation in the country remains uncertain. *Reporting by Arstechnica.*