Ofcom Reviews Powers After Suicide Forum Blocks Access for Most UK Users

LONDON — Ofcom is working with the UK Government to consider whether its online-safety enforcement powers should be strengthened after an overseas suicide-discussion forum blocked access for most users in Britain.

The communications regulator said its action directly resulted in the provider making further changes to its geographical restriction. The vast majority of UK users who do not use technology to disguise their location can no longer access the forum.

Ofcom began investigating the service under the Online Safety Act and found illegal material that encouraged or assisted suicide, including instructional content and discussions that had remained available for extended periods.

In May, the regulator fined the provider £950,000 after concluding that it had failed to take proportionate steps to protect UK users from illegal content. Ofcom had also warned that it was preparing to seek a court order blocking the service if the concerns were not addressed.

The forum had previously introduced a geoblock, but registered UK users could continue logging in without using a virtual private network. The provider has now closed that route.

Ofcom acknowledged that geographical restrictions cannot eliminate all access. Some users may use VPNs or similar tools to hide their location, and a small number of existing users may retain access because of technical circumstances.

However, the regulator said it had not identified additional changes that could materially strengthen the UK restriction without affecting users globally. Because the provider is no longer considered to be in ongoing non-compliance in the UK, the legal conditions for applying for a court-ordered block are not currently met.

The case highlights the difficulty of enforcing national laws against international platforms whose owners and infrastructure are based abroad. Ofcom regulates services used in the UK, but it cannot control worldwide access.

The regulator will continue monitoring the geoblock and is reviewing its powers relating to "business disruption measures". Any legal changes would need to balance public protection with jurisdiction, proportionality and due process.

Support information: Anyone in the UK or Republic of Ireland who is struggling emotionally can call Samaritans free, 24 hours a day, on 116 123.