United Kingdom: Office of Communications initiated investigation into image board services provider over alleged non-compliance with illegal content duties

On 6 March 2026, the Office of Communications (Ofcom) opened an investigation into the provider of two imageboard services to assess whether the entity complied with its statutory obligations under the Online Safety Act 2023. The regulator is examining whether the provider failed to complete and maintain an adequate illegal content risk assessment, as required under section 9 of the Act. The investigation also considers whether the provider implemented proportionate measures to prevent users from encountering priority illegal content, including child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and non-consensual intimate images (NCII). In addition, the investigation evaluates the provider’s compliance with obligations related to user reporting mechanisms under section 20, complaint procedures under section 21, and the provision of clear and accessible terms of service. If Ofcom identifies evidence of a potential breach, it will issue a provisional notice to the company, allowing the provider an opportunity to respond before a final determination is made. Given the nature of the services involved, Ofcom has stated that it will not disclose the identity of the provider or the specific services at this stage of the proceedings.