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4chan fined $26K for refusing to assess risks under UK Online Safety Act (arstechnica.com)
submitted 11 months ago by to c/technology@lemmy.world
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If 4chan continues to ignore Ofcom, the forum could be blocked in the UK. And 4chan could face even bigger fines totaling about $23 million or 10 percent of 4chan’s worldwide turnover, whichever is higher. 4chan also faces potential arrest and/or "imprisonment for a term of up to two years," the lawsuit said.

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[–] 31 points 11 months ago (12 children)

Is it even possible for Ofcom to legally fine 4chan for these issues? How does a company in the UK fine a US company?

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  • [–] 11 points 11 months ago (6 children)

    It works the same way they can fine domestic businesses: Pay up or we'll stop you from doing any more business in this country.

    In the context of a website like 4chan that means pay the fine or get blocked by every UK based ISP.

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  • [–] 8 points 11 months ago (4 children)

    Oh no! That one country out of all the other ones will be the biggest loss ever!

    Anyway, about these things called VPNs.

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  • [–] 2 points 11 months ago (3 children)

    I think this sentiment is common but misses some important things. First: the UK is a big market of internet users, so losing it is not insignificant. Second: most people will not bother with a VPN because it's annoying or costs money. Third: from the UK's perspective, banning non-compliant sites is a good thing.

    Recognising all this is important, because it's part of resisting such censorious laws.

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  • [–] 0 points 11 months ago (2 children)

    The population of internet users is tiny compared to the total population of internet users in the Western world.

    Nothing great or significant is lost.

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  • [–] 0 points 11 months ago (1 child)

    It's the 4th largest country of origin for 4chan from what I can find. It doesn't sound like you're actually responding to what I said is being missed. Guess you don't want to.

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  • [–] 0 points 11 months ago* (last edited 11 months ago)

    I just dint think any of it matters. UK is a big market for Internet users... Yes, like any other developed country.

    It is only the 4th largest country for 4chan... Which isn't even in the top 3.

    The UK not having access to 4chan is of no consequence, and the kinds of people that still hang out there would probably know their way around a VPN.

    There is no further thing that's worth addressing.

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  • [+] -6 points 11 months ago (2 children)

    The argument 4chan uses is laughable. "Freedom of speech of every American?" Tere is no such protection in the US right now.

    No one is watching the news? Trump is killing freedom of speech. Anyone dares to advocate equality is getting fired or estorcised. All rainbow, trans or minority rights signs are being eliminated. Our rainbow sidewalk in my city was repainted. Diversity programs are dismantled. Any minority names program is being renamed. Less black people are being hired in the white house than ever.

    Even now som states require you to prove your identity before your can log into Internet.

    American invention? American right? Lol.

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