United Kingdom: Office of Communications closed its investigation into Krakenfiles over alleged failure to comply with illegal content duties under Online Safety Act

On 13 October 2025, the Office of Communications (Ofcom) closed its investigation into the provider of Krakenfiles regarding compliance with obligations under the Online Safety Act. The investigation, opened on 10 June 2025 under Case No. CW/01301/06/25, examined potential failures to comply with statutory information requests issued on 1 April 2025 under Section 100 of the Act, which required providers to submit details of compliance and copies of their illegal content risk assessments by 1 May 2025. The investigation formed part of an enforcement programme launched on 17 March 2025 to assess measures taken by file-sharing and file-storage services to address image-based child sexual abuse material. Ofcom confirmed that the provider had restricted access to users with UK IP addresses from 25 July 2025, thereby reducing exposure to illegal or harmful content in the United Kingdom. Having monitored the website since that date, Ofcom determined the investigation was no longer an administrative priority and therefore closed it, but reserved the right to reopen proceedings should restrictions not be maintained. Non-compliance under the Act may result in financial penalties of up to GBP 18 million or 10% of qualifying worldwide revenue.