Ofcom stated it has no additional legal options to take action against a pro-suicide forum that campaigners claim has been associated with more than 130 deaths in the United Kingdom. The regulator noted that the website has implemented a geoblock preventing access for the vast majority of UK-based users, and indicated it has reached the limits of enforcement available under the Online Safety Act.
The forum remains accessible to UK residents who use virtual private networks to mask their location. Ofcom said it would continue monitoring to ensure the geoblock stays in effect. The regulator indicated it is collaborating with the government to examine whether its enforcement capabilities should be expanded, particularly regarding its ability to seek website blocking orders through courts that would require internet service providers to block access.
Andy Burrows, chief executive of the Molly Rose Foundation, criticized the decision, stating it would lead to additional deaths and questioned the timing of the announcement. Ofcom responded that it made the determination several days prior following extensive efforts to explore all available legal avenues. The regulator stated it had informed bereaved families of the decision.
Ofcom had previously issued a £950,000 fine to the forum in May, citing noncompliance with the Online Safety Act’s requirements to protect UK residents from illegal content. The organization was required to pay the fine by June 12, which Ofcom said has not occurred. Suicide prevention advocates expressed disappointment with the announcement, raising questions about whether the Online Safety Act provides sufficient tools to address the most harmful websites operating online.