Wire · regulatory
UK's Ofcom Seeks Wider Powers After American Forum Fine Fails
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Fusion42 · 23 July 2026 · Fusion42 review
UK regulator Ofcom has abandoned enforcement action against a US-based suicide forum after a £950,000 fine proved uncollectible and legal options under the Online Safety Act were exhausted; Ofcom is now lobbying the government for expanded powers including preemptive blocking orders and business disruption measures that would require only a 'significant risk of harm' test rather than proven breach.
◆ ◆ The Wire takeaway
If you operate a platform or service accessible in the UK, Ofcom is about to get powers to block you on suspicion of harm alone, without proving breach or waiting for a court hearing. The Online Safety Act's teeth just got sharper, and the threshold for losing UK access moved from 'you broke the rules' to 'we think you might'.
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5 sources · first reported 20 Jul 2026 · latest 23 Jul 2026
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