Two of the most controversial platforms on the internet have filed a federal lawsuit against Downing Street’s divisive digital protection policy.
The claimants — 4Chan and Kiwi Farms — argue that the recently introduced legislation, which was designed to stop minors accessing dangerous materials online, infringes on their Constitutional rights as US corporations.
According to Preston Byrne and Ron Coleman, the law firms representing the sites, Ofcom is penalising their clients ‘for engaging in conduct which is perfectly lawful in the territories whee the websites are based’.
The UK Online Safety Act was introduced to curb online hate speech, harassment, the spread of conspiracy theories, bullying, the promotion of self harm and suicide, violence and extreme pornography. Among other things, it requires consumers to prove they are over-18 before adult-themed web content can be accessed.
In the case of 4Chan and Kiwi Farms, the complaint centres on mandatory ‘risk assessment reports’ about user bases which representatives from each domain need to complete. Earlier this month, Ofgem published a provisional decision that there were ‘reasonable ground’ to believe 4Chan was in violation of this law. Lawyers argue this is an overstretch of jurisdiction as the company is based in the US. Both platforms could face fines of up to £18million if they are found to be non-compliant.
The White House has already been observed acting in favour of online content which appeals to, is produced by, or advocates for Donald Trump’s MAGA base. In July, the President issued an executive order raising taxes for a number of Brazilian exports to 40%. State legal action against the Rumble and Truth Social platforms was cited as a key catalyst — respectively an online video sharing site which is considered a hotbed for right wing and extremist content, and Trump’s own social network.
Both 4Chan and Kiwi Farms have been at the centre of major online controversies. The latter is considered to be a web forum responsible for facilitating and discussing online harassment, trolling, stalking, and doxing. It has also been tied to the suicides of three people who had been targeted by its community. The former is recognised as one of the leading sources of internet memes, but it is also known for hosting brutal videos, non-consensual pornography and extremist content.
Image: YongGuang Tian / Unsplash
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