The Guardian view on policing the internet: Ofcom must push harder on illegal content | Editorial

"The 950,000 fine imposed by Ofcom on a US-based suicide forum that is implicated in over 160 UK deaths marks an intensification of the regulator's efforts to make the internet safer. Campaigners against online harms, including relatives of people who have taken their own lives, are justifiably angry that it has taken so long to get to this point. Even now, Ofcom is giving the website's operator the chance to address concerns and avoid a court order that would ban access to it."

"But if enforcement remains a tortuous process, at least the principle is clear. It is illegal to encourage or assist a suicide in England and Wales (in Scotland, such actions could lead to prosecution as reckless endangerment or a range of other offences). A situation whereby behaviour is tolerated online, when it would carry criminal penalties if carried out in person, cannot be allowed."

"There is a parallel with the government's recent pledge to bring the laws governing online pornography in line with analogue forms (DVDs and magazines). Belatedly, and in response to effective campaigning, ministers and regulators are making efforts to close the gap that divides the rules and norms of the offline world from the chaos of the internet. No one should underestimate how hard this is."

"Under the Online Safety Act, search engines are required to minimise the risk of people encountering illegal content, but not to prevent it. Last week the suicide forum's web address was searchable on Google, meaning that users could access it via a virtual private network. Exerting democratic control in the digital space is among the biggest challenges for governments. Rapid tec"

Ofcom imposed a £950,000 fine on a US-based suicide forum linked to more than 160 UK deaths, marking stronger efforts to reduce online harms. Campaigners criticized the delay in reaching enforcement. The operator is being given an opportunity to address concerns and avoid a court order that could ban access. The law makes encouraging or assisting suicide illegal in England and Wales, and similar conduct can lead to prosecution in Scotland. The situation cannot allow online behavior to be tolerated when it would be criminal if done in person. Similar efforts are underway to align online pornography rules with offline standards. Enforcement is difficult due to limited UK control over wealthy overseas platforms, nonpayment of fines, legal challenges, and loopholes such as search engines being required to minimize risk rather than prevent illegal content.

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