The UK’s online regulator is able to conduct the investigation because of new powers from the Online Safety Act.
The forum, which Ofcom is choosing to not yet name and is hosted in the US, was first discovered by the BBC, who were the first media outlet to break the story.
According to experts the website is linked to the deaths of at least 50 people in the UK and has tens of thousands of members including children. On the distressing digital platform, it has been noted that individuals discuss methods of suicide and ways they can get their hands on a toxic chemical.
While the news is extremely distressing, the fact it’s been found is a relief and couldn’t have been possible without the introduction of the Online Safety Act – a legislation that became law in 2023 with an aim to protecting young people and adults from consuming harmful content online.
Just last month (March) Ofcom also gained the power to act against sites hosting illegal material. Since the law was granted Royal Assent, Ofcom have spent the last 18 months drawing up guidelines and codes of practice for platforms to follow. As it stands, all websites have to show they have software in place to axe any illegal material.
Should sites fail to remove any illegal content, Ofcom are able to issue court orders to block platforms or impose fines worth up to £18million.
In this particular instance, the investigation could lead to fines or court orders against those running the forum. It should also be noted that an investigation is the first step before any enforcement can take place.
It is understood that coroners involved in the investigation have known about the website since 2019 and have been writing to government departments demanding action to shut it down. The parents of the individuals who have tragically taken their own lives and those who know their children are engaging with the forum are also calling for urgent action.
Photo by Agence Olloweb via UnSplash
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