UK Regulator Investigates 4chan and Adult Sites Over Online Safety Compliance

The UK communications regulator, Ofcom, has launched investigations into several online platforms, including the message board 4chan and the adult site First Time Videos, over failures to meet new online safety regulations under the Online Safety Act. Ofcom stated that 4chan did not respond to a request for its risk assessment report, prompting a formal investigation into whether the platform is failing to protect users from illegal content. The nature of the content has not been specified. Known for hosting controversial and anonymous content, 4chan has frequently drawn scrutiny for its role in spreading misogynistic and conspiratorial material.

In addition to 4chan, seven file-sharing services — Im.ge, Krakenfiles, Nippybox, Nippydrive, Nippyshare, Nippyspace, and Yolobit — are also under investigation for not responding to requests regarding potential child sexual abuse content. Ofcom is further examining whether First Time Videos, a pornographic content provider, has sufficient age verification mechanisms in place to prevent access by underage users. Companies that fail to comply with the Online Safety Act may face fines up to £18 million or 10% of their global revenue, whichever is higher. Age verification measures, including facial scanning technology, are expected to be in place by July.