United States of America: 4 Chan Community Support and Lolcow filed lawsuit challenging enforcement of United Kingdom's Online Safety Act

On 27 August 2025, the 4chan Community Support LLC and Lolcow LLC filed a lawsuit in the United States District of Columbia against the United Kingdom Office of Communications, challenging the enforcement of the Online Safety Act 2023. The lawsuit stated that the Online Safety Act applies to over 100’000 online services globally, including American-based platforms with no United Kingdom presence, requiring them to conduct risk assessments for compliance with United Kingdom law and remove user content deemed illegal under United Kingdom standards. It also requires verification of users' ages, maintaining written records, and responding to information demands from the Office of Communications. It was also stated that between March and August 2025, the Office of Communications sent legally binding information notices and demands to both plaintiffs, noting that they may face fines of up to eighteen million pounds or ten per cent of worldwide revenue, criminal charges, and imprisonment of up to two years for non-compliance. The plaintiffs argue that these enforcement actions violate United States constitutional protections under the First, Fourth, and Fifth Amendments, which protect freedom of speech, prohibit unreasonable searches and seizures, and guarantee due process rights. The plaintiffs also contended that the actions conflict with Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which protects online platforms and service providers from liability for most third-party content posted on their sites. Additionally, it was also stated that the action constitutes improper service of process without using the United States-United Kingdom Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty. The lawsuit seeks declaratory judgments that the Office of Communications orders are unenforceable in the United States and permanent injunctions preventing further enforcement actions against United States-based platforms without proper international legal process.