United Kingdom: Office of Communications confirmed 4chan's non-compliance with Online Safety Act 2023 and imposed penalties totalling GBP 520'000

On 19 March 2026, the Office of Communications (Ofcom) issued a confirmation decision under section 132 of the Online Safety Act 2023 against 4chan Community Support LLC in relation to 4chan.org, following the provisional notice of contravention issued on 12 February 2026 under section 130 of the Online Safety Act 2023. Ofcom determined that 4chan failed to comply with three duties under the Online Safety Act 2023, resulting in total penalties of GBP 520'000. Firstly, under section 9(2), Ofcom found that 4chan failed to carry out a suitable and sufficient illegal content risk assessment. Ofcom imposed a penalty of GBP 50'000 and a requirement to complete the assessment by 2 April 2026, with a daily rate penalty of GBP 200 for continued non-compliance until compliance or 1 June 2026. Secondly, under section 10(5), Ofcom found that 4chan failed to include provisions in its terms of service specifying how individuals are to be protected from illegal content. Ofcom imposed a penalty of GBP 20'000 and a compliance deadline of 2 April 2026, with a daily rate penalty of GBP 100. Thirdly, under section 12, Ofcom found that 4chan failed to prevent children from encountering pornographic content through highly effective age assurance. Ofcom imposed a penalty of GBP 450'000 and a compliance deadline of 2 April 2026, with a daily rate penalty of GBP 500.