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4chan Fined £520,000 for Failing Age Checks

3/19/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Ofcom fines 4chan £520,000 under the Online Safety Act for failing to implement age checks to prevent children's access to pornography.
The penalties break down to £450,000 for age-check violations, £50,000 for inadequate risk assessments of illegal content, and £20,000 for failing to clarify user protections in terms of service.
4chan must comply by 2 April 2026 or face daily fines, with 4chan's lawyer indicating the platform will not pay.

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Story summary

Ofcom fines 4chan £520,000 under the Online Safety Act for failing to implement age checks to prevent children's access to pornography.
The penalties break down to £450,000 for age-check violations, £50,000 for inadequate risk assessments of illegal content, and £20,000 for failing to clarify user protections in terms of service.
4chan must comply by 2 April 2026 or face daily fines, with 4chan's lawyer indicating the platform will not pay.