Summary
4chan, an online message board, says it will not pay fines from the UK's media regulator, Ofcom, related to the Online Safety Act. The site's lawyer argues that US law protects 4chan, a US-based company, from these foreign fines. Ofcom is investigating whether 4chan complies with UK online safety requirements, but 4chan's lawyer intends to challenge any enforcement in US courts.
Key Facts
- 4chan refuses to pay a £20,000 fine imposed by the UK's Ofcom.
- Ofcom's investigation checks if 4chan follows the UK's Online Safety Act.
- The lawyer for 4chan argues the company is shielded by US law.
- 4chan is a US-based company, and it claims protection under the First Amendment.
- Ofcom has not commented further as the investigation is ongoing.
- Some US officials oppose international regulations affecting American tech firms.
- Ofcom aims to protect UK users from illegal content found online.
- If US courts support 4chan, Ofcom may seek alternative enforcement methods.
