Saralnama
Following the UK’s enforcement of the Online Safety Act, 4chan faces a provisional £20,000 fine from regulator Ofcom for failing to comply with content risk assessments. Represented by lawyer Preston Byrne, 4chan has refused to pay the fine, arguing that the UK’s regulations do not apply to US-based companies and citing First Amendment protections. Byrne has announced plans to sue Ofcom in US federal court and has called on the Trump administration to use diplomatic and legal measures to protect his clients from the Act’s reach. The Online Safety Act, effective since July, requires platforms to protect users from illegal content and mandates age verification for harmful material. Ofcom maintains that the law applies to platforms accessible in the UK regardless of their incorporation. Byrne’s clients, including 4chan, Gab, and Kiwi Farms, are known for controversial content and have been targeted by Ofcom alongside other platforms. The case highlights ongoing tensions between national internet regulations and US free speech protections, with potential implications for international digital law enforcement. (Updated 23 Aug 2025, 17:50 IST; source: link)