UK Fines 4Chan £20,000 for Online Safety Act Compliance Failures

UK Regulator Imposes Fine on 4Chan

The United Kingdom has imposed a £20,000 (approximately $26,000) fine on controversial social media platform 4Chan for failing to comply with Online Safety Act (OSA) investigation requirements. According to industry reports, UK telecoms regulator Ofcom issued the penalty after 4Chan ignored legally-binding information requests concerning its global revenue and illegal content risk assessment procedures. Data shows this marks one of the first significant enforcement actions under the new online safety legislation, signaling the regulator’s intent to pursue platforms that obstruct compliance investigations.

Sponsored content — provided for informational and promotional purposes.

Escalating Penalties for Non-Compliance

Beginning tomorrow, 4Chan faces additional daily penalties of £100 (around $133) for up to 60 days or until compliance is achieved, potentially reaching a maximum of £6,000 (approximately $8,000). Ofcom enforcement director Suzanne Cater emphasized that “any service which flagrantly fails to engage with Ofcom and their duties under the Online Safety Act can expect to face robust enforcement action.” The current fines remain substantially below the OSA’s maximum penalty threshold of £18 million (around $24 million), as the investigation continues.

Broader Regulatory Context

This enforcement action occurs alongside other significant regulatory developments affecting technology companies. According to analysis of recent global tech regulation, the Netherlands has intervened in semiconductor ownership by assuming control of a Chinese-owned chipmaker. Meanwhile, experts note that health technology investment continues to surge with smart ring manufacturer Oura securing $900 million in funding from Fidelity. These parallel developments highlight the increasingly complex regulatory and investment landscape facing technology platforms worldwide.

The 4Chan case demonstrates Ofcom’s determination to enforce the Online Safety Act’s provisions, particularly regarding platforms’ cooperation with investigations into potential online harms and revenue transparency. The regulator’s actions suggest that similar enforcement measures could target other non-compliant services operating in the UK market.

Chinese authorities have disclosed what they describe as extended cyber operations by US intelligence against the National Time Service Center. The alleged breaches reportedly targeted staff devices and network systems, potentially affecting critical infrastructure.

Alleged Cyber Operations Against Time Infrastructure

Chinese security authorities have publicly accused the United States of conducting extensive cyber operations against the country’s National Time Service Center, according to reports from the State Security Ministry. The alleged breaches, which sources indicate may have occurred over an extended period, reportedly targeted critical timekeeping infrastructure that supports communication networks, financial systems, and power supply operations.