United Kingdom: Office of Communications closed its investigation into Nippyspace 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 Nippyspace concerning compliance with statutory duties under the Online Safety Act 2023. The investigation, opened on 10 June 2025 (Case No. CW/01305/06/25), examined potential non-compliance with requirements to respond to a statutory information notice issued on 1 April 2025 under Section 102(8), to complete and retain an illegal content risk assessment under Sections 9 and 23, and to comply with the illegal content safety duties under Section 10. These duties, applicable to regulated user-to-user services from 17 March 2025, require service providers to assess risks and adopt proportionate measures to prevent exposure to priority illegal content, including image-based child sexual abuse material (CSAM). On or around 15 June 2025, the Nippyspace service became unavailable to users in the United Kingdom and, to Ofcom’s knowledge, more widely. Ofcom therefore determined it was no longer an administrative priority to pursue enforcement, but continues to monitor the service’s availability and may re-open the investigation if appropriate. Potential sanctions under the Act include financial penalties of up to GBP 18 million or 10% of qualifying worldwide revenue, or court orders to restrict access in the United Kingdom.