What action is Ofcom taking against the suicide forum?

Ofcom is preparing to issue a provisional notice indicating the forum likely breached the UK's Online Safety Act and may face fines up to £18 million.

How many lives has the suicide forum allegedly taken?

A relative of a victim stated the website has been linked to at least 133 deaths in the UK.

What are the consequences for the online suicide forum if it doesn't comply?

The forum could face fines of up to £18 million or 10% of global revenue, and Ofcom may seek to disrupt its services in the UK.

Home / Crime and Justice / Suicide Forum Faces £18M Fine Under UK Law

Suicide Forum Faces £18M Fine Under UK Law

7 Jan

•

Summary

A pro-suicide online forum faces a potential £18 million fine.
Two teenagers died after following poison advice from the forum.
Regulator Ofcom is issuing a provisional notice for likely legal breach.

Suicide Forum Faces £18M Fine Under UK Law

A pro-suicide online forum is facing potential fines of up to £18 million for breaching the UK's Online Safety Act. This action comes after the deaths of 17-year-old Vlad Nikolin-Caisley and 21-year-old Aimee Walton, both from Southampton, who died after consuming poison advised on the platform. Ofcom has indicated it will issue a provisional notice stating the company has likely broken the law.

The forum, which has had over 50,000 global members, has been active despite numerous warnings from coroners and police investigations. Aimee's sister highlighted that the site has been linked to at least 133 UK deaths. Vlad's mother has urged regulators for immediate action to protect vulnerable individuals.

If the company does not address Ofcom's concerns, the regulator can impose substantial fines or seek court permission to disrupt the company's services in the UK. The government has pledged to strengthen laws concerning the online purchase of lethal drugs, following these tragic events.