Ofcom Halts Legal Action After Suicide Forum Blocks Most UK Users

Ofcom announced it will not pursue further legal action against an online suicide forum linked to 164 UK deaths. The Independent reported that the US-based provider made changes to block most UK users without VPNs, which the regulator described as the fullest extent possible under the Online Safety Act.

Ofcom stated on Monday that additional changes would affect global users beyond UK jurisdiction and that all possible legal routes under the Act have been exhausted.

The regulator said legal grounds were not met to seek a court order requiring internet service providers to block UK access. It added that it lacks powers to apply for a business disruption order based solely on non-payment of a fine. The forum was the first service investigated by Ofcom under the UK’s online safety laws last year.

The investigation found illegal content including instructional guides and method threads that had remained on the site for years. The operator was fined £950,000 in May and had until June 12 to pay, but Ofcom has not received the funds. The US-based operator has disputed UK jurisdiction.

Since the fine, the forum tightened its geoblock to prevent registered UK users from logging in without a VPN. Ofcom said the vast majority of UK users without VPNs can no longer access the site and that it will monitor compliance. Major search engines removed links to the forum after the investigation began.

Suzanne Cater, director of enforcement at Ofcom, said the forum and its predators have devastated lives and that the regulator used its powers to the fullest extent. Andy Burrows of the Molly Rose Foundation said the decision followed 468 days of investigation and would leave more vulnerable people at risk.