United Kingdom: Office of Communications announced investigation into 4chan over alleged failure to comply with Online Safety Act 2023 duties

On 10 June 2025, the Office of Communications (Ofcom) announced an investigation into the online discussion board 4chan, in order to assess its compliance with the obligations set out in the Online Safety Act 2023 (Case No. CW/01307/06/25). The investigation concerns potential breaches relating to a failure to respond to a statutory information request, a failure to complete and retain a suitable and sufficient illegal content risk assessment, and a failure to comply with duties to protect users from illegal content. Following the issuance of an information notice on 14 April 2025, requesting a copy of its risk assessment record, Ofcom had not received a response from the service provider by the time the investigation commenced. The investigation will consider whether there are reasonable grounds to believe that 4chan has failed to meet its obligations under the Act. Where non-compliance is identified, Ofcom may impose financial penalties of up to GBP 18 million or 10% of the provider’s qualifying worldwide revenue, whichever is greater. In cases involving a serious risk of harm to individuals in the UK, Ofcom may apply to the court for an order requiring third parties to take action to disrupt access to the service.