The United Kingdom’s media regulator, Ofcom, has opened nine investigations into potential breaches of the Online Safety Act. The investigations focus on possible illegal content circulating on platforms such as internet messageboard 4chan and several file-sharing services. The regulator is examining whether these platforms failed to implement appropriate measures to protect users, particularly children, from harmful or unlawful content.
The Online Safety Act, passed in 2023, requires online platforms to enforce stricter controls against criminal activity. A key emphasis is on preventing the spread of child sexual abuse material and ensuring user safety through effective risk management and moderation systems.
Focus areas include 4chan and file-sharing services
Ofcom said it had received reports of potentially illegal content on 4chan and child sexual abuse material being shared on seven unnamed file-sharing platforms. The regulator will determine whether these platforms responded adequately to statutory requests and if they conducted required risk assessments.
The outcome of these investigations could have significant implications for platform operators. Under the law, Ofcom is empowered to mandate corrective actions and impose financial penalties of up to £18 million or 10% of global revenue—whichever is higher—for non-compliance.
Also read: India Launches e-Zero FIR for Cybercrime Cases
Age assurance measures under scrutiny
Alongside the primary investigations, Ofcom is also reviewing the operations of First Time Videos, a provider of pornographic content. The regulator is assessing whether the platform has sufficient age assurance systems in place to prevent access by minors. This reflects growing regulatory attention on age verification mechanisms across the digital content industry.
These moves are part of a broader enforcement push as the UK begins to implement the Online Safety Act. Ofcom is expected to expand its monitoring and compliance efforts in the months ahead, with more platforms potentially under review.
