Ofcom Fines US-Based Suicide Forum Over 160 UK Deaths

The US-hosted forum that openly encourages suicide remained reachable in the United Kingdom despite 65 coroners’ warnings and repeated complaints from mental-health charities. Under the Online Safety Act, Ofcom fined the site £950,000 on 13 May 2026 for “serious and deliberate contraventions” of British law that criminalises the intentional encouragement of suicide. Ofcom also signalled it will seek a High Court order to compel internet-service providers to block all UK access if the operator does not fully comply.

The Guardian

• UK deaths linked to the forum: over 160 (campaign groups cite at least 164); fine: £950,000.

The Guardian

• 65 coroners’ warnings; prior actions: July geoblock, November removal of circumvention guide.

The Guardian

Ofcom said it had “engaged extensively” with the provider and that recent geoblocking and content removal were “steps toward reducing risk, though not sufficient.” A spokesperson said the regulator shares urgency about the extreme harms and understands the anger of those personally affected. The forum’s notice defended “the right to access lawful information without government overreach,” quoting Mark Twain.

The Guardian

The Molly Rose Foundation and Families and Survivors to Prevent Online Suicide Harms called Ofcom’s response “interminable” and “appalling that it has been left to bereaved families and campaign groups to press Ofcom into action.” Andy Burrows, chief executive of the Molly Rose Foundation, questioned why the regulator took so long to act against a forum linked to at least 164 deaths.

The Guardian

Adele Zeynap Walton, sister of Aimee Walton who died after using the forum, said families “feel let down by the process and Ofcom’s slow response to this threat to life.” Campaign data list victims from 16-year-old Lucas to 41-year-old Claire, describing coercion, grooming and instructions to obtain lethal substances.

The Guardian

The Guardian article cites “over 160” UK deaths, while campaign groups cite “at least 164.” Ofcom has not released independent verification of the figures, leaving a data gap on the forum’s true impact.

The Guardian

• “appalling that it has been left to bereaved families and campaign groups to press Ofcom into action” — Andy Burrows, Molly Rose Foundation

The Guardian

• “We feel let down by the process and Ofcom’s slow response to this threat to life.” — Adele Zeynap Walton, Families and Survivors to Prevent Online Suicide Harms

The Guardian

• “We share the urgency about the extreme harms that sites such as this can cause, and understand the anger felt towards them by those who have been so personally affected,” — Ofcom spokesperson

The Guardian

• “The provider of this forum knows it’s used to share illegal content encouraging and assisting suicide on their site,” — Suzanne Cater, Ofcom

The Guardian

Ofcom will file a High Court application to order nationwide ISP blocking and warned that any further non-compliance will trigger “all powers available” to protect the public.

The Guardian