4chan Sues UK Ofcom over Online Safety Act
14 days ago
- #free-speech
- #privacy
- #internet-regulation
- 4chan and Kiwi Farms sue UK's Ofcom over age verification law in U.S. federal court.
- Lawsuit claims Ofcom's fines and threats restrict speech under U.S. law.
- Both entities argue they are U.S.-based and not subject to UK laws.
- Ofcom's actions highlight challenges in enforcing local internet regulations globally.
- Lawsuit labels Ofcom as an 'industry-funded global censorship bureau.'
- UK's Online Safety Act requires invasive age verification, risking user privacy.
- Non-compliance with the Act results in hefty fines, regardless of location.
- Electronic Frontier Foundation criticizes the Act for threatening privacy and free expression.
- Ofcom began investigating 4chan in June, imposing daily fines.
- Kiwi Farms also faces fines under the Online Safety Act.
- Lawyer Preston Byrne asserts clients' constitutional rights against foreign demands.
- Ofcom states the Act protects UK users, not those elsewhere.