UK Takes Historic Action Against Harmful Online Content
Domainincite New：The UK communications regulator Ofcom has launched its first investigation under the new Online Safety Act, targeting a controversial online forum linked to dozens of suicide cases worldwide. The site, which was previously banned by even free-speech-oriented registrar Epik, now faces potential fines or service restrictions unless it can prove it protects UK users from harmful content.
Key Details:
- Ofcom demands evidence the forum prevents “encouraging or assisting suicide”
- Non-compliance could result in multimillion-pound fines or court-ordered business disruption
- The law applies broadly to any platform hosting user-generated content
- Site administrators call the probe “blatant overreach” and seek crypto donations
- Platform has backup domains ready to evade potential shutdown
Background:
The unnamed forum, currently using a .net domain through US-based Cloudflare, lost its original .com address in 2021 when Epik refused to host it. Media reports connect the site to over 50 deaths, including cases where users allegedly encouraged vulnerable individuals, some minors, to take their own lives.
This landmark case tests the UK’s ability to regulate harmful online spaces beyond major social platforms, potentially setting precedents for future internet governance.
News Source:domainincite，This article does not represent our position.
