US Court Rules It Lacks Authority Over 4chan and Kiwi Farms Dispute with Ofcom

A federal judge in Washington DC dismissed the legal action launched by internet forums 4chan and Kiwi Farms against Britain's media regulator Ofcom, citing a lack of jurisdiction. The dispute stems from Ofcom's application of the Online Safety Act, which sent a provisional notice of contravention to 4chan on August 12, 2025, threatening a £20,000 fine and daily penalties of £100 for up to 60 days. Both sites argued that the regulator's communications infringed on their constitutional rights, but the court held that they must contest the matter in UK courts.

The decision notes that any UK judgment would probably have to be enforced in the United States, given the companies' absence of operations abroad. District Judge Rudolph Contreras said the plaintiffs' suit fails because they seek to use American courts as a sword against Ofcom. An Ofcom spokesperson welcomed the ruling, affirming the regulator's right to enforce online safety laws in the UK.