Wed, 27 Aug 2025

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 4chan launches legal action against Ofcom in US

It wants the court to prohibit Ofcom from enforcing the Online Safety Act against it in the US.
Lawyers representing online forums 4chan and Kiwi Farms have filed a lawsuit against UK regulator Ofcom, claiming that the Online Safety Act is unconstitutional and can't be enforced in the US. The plaintiffs argue that American citizens don't surrender their constitutional rights just because Ofcom sends them an email. Ofcom has stated that services with links to the UK must protect UK users, regardless of where they are based, under the Online Safety Act. However, 4chan's lawyers claim that this is incompatible with US law and the constitution's free speech protections. The lawsuit seeks a ban on Ofcom enforcing or attempting to enforce the Online Safety Act against 4chan and Kiwi Farms in the US. It also wants the court to declare that the act is unconstitutional and unenforceable in the US. The case alleges that Ofcom uses its powers under the Online Safety Act to threaten American citizens and businesses with fines and arrests if they don't comply with its orders. The plaintiffs claim this is a violation of their civil rights, including freedom of speech. Ofcom has stated that it is aware of the lawsuit but maintains that any service linked to the UK must comply with the Online Safety Act, even if based outside the country.
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