United Kingdom: Office of Communications announced investigation into Im.ge over alleged failure to comply with Online Safety Act duties

On 10 June 2025, the Office of Communications (Ofcom) announced an investigation into the provider of the file-sharing service Im.ge (Case No. CW/01300/06/25). The investigation concerns potential non-compliance with obligations under the Online Safety Act 2023. Specifically, Ofcom is examining whether the provider failed to respond to a statutory information request under section 102(8), to complete and retain a suitable and sufficient illegal content risk assessment as required under sections 9 and 23, and to implement the safety duties relating to illegal content under section 10. These duties, which apply to regulated user-to-user services, came into effect on 17 March 2025 and include obligations to assess risks and to adopt measures to prevent users from encountering priority illegal content, such as image-based child sexual abuse material (CSAM). As part of its enforcement programme, Ofcom issued an information notice to the provider of Im.ge on 1 April 2025, requesting a response by 1 May 2025. At the time the investigation was opened, no response or risk assessment record had been received. 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, and may seek court orders requiring third parties to take action to restrict access to the service in the United Kingdom.