4chan, the notoriously racist and example of digital Shrek-dom, is suing UK communications regulator Ofcom. This platform has become sadly accustomed to fighting these kinds of internet fights over the last 22 years. This move comes as 4chan faces scrutiny under the Online Safety Act, which mandates services with connections to the UK to protect users from illegal content, regardless of their global location.
4chan Community Support LLC, also known as 4chan, has initiated legal action in a US district court. They are fighting the power Ofcom has claimed to force UK law on American platforms. Alongside Kiwi Farms, another online entity, 4chan’s lawyers argue that US businesses without a presence in the UK should not be subject to British laws. The Seattle-based firm Byrne & Storm is representing 4chan in the current case.
In a press release this week, 4chan’s legal team declared that Ofcom was about to impose a £20,000 fine for the platform. The penalty concerns their reported failure to respond to two requests for information. This is the most intense moment of the drama. Ofcom has threatened to levy daily fines if 4chan fails to fulfill its duties.
“American citizens do not surrender our constitutional rights just because Ofcom sends us an e-mail.” – Preston Byrne of law firm Byrne & Storm.
4chan has for years been at the heart of some of the ugliest controversies, such as orchestrating misogynistic campaigns like Gamergate and promoting conspiracy theories. The platform’s legal counsel reportedly assures clients that it is perfectly in line with US laws. They claim that having a physical presence in the UK should not be required for it to be covered by the Online Safety Act.
Ofcom claims that any service associated with the UK should be responsible for the safety of its users under the Online Safety Act. They argue that 4chan may be held responsible for its content if it has a substantial user base in the UK or intentionally focuses on the UK market.
“We have asked the Court to confirm that Ofcom has no authority to impose or enforce unconstitutional UK laws on American soil.” – Ronald Coleman of the Coleman Law Firm.
The legal complaint highlights potential “ruinous civil penalties and referrals to law enforcement for criminal penalties, including arrest and imprisonment.”
In the UK, Ofcom is currently inspecting 4chan’s adherence to the Online Safety Act. This case plays out amid an ongoing firestorm over debates over free speech and the potential of regulation in online spaces.
Ronald Coleman of the Coleman Law Firm tells us that this case is about more than 4chan. It is equally intended to protect wider rights.
“We are defending the free speech rights of every American.” – Ronald Coleman of the Coleman Law Firm.