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Written by
UK Team
11th April, 2025

UK’s online safety regulator launches first investigation under Online Safety Act 

Ofcom has launched an investigation into the provider of an online suicide forum, its first enforcement action under the UK’s Online Safety Act. 

A wider shot of the same teenage girl seated comfortably on a couch at home. She is wearing a rust-orange sweatshirt, light blue ripped jeans, and white over-ear headphones, focused on her laptop. A yellow knitted blanket and blue wall add to the cozy setting. This image is a fuller version of the close-up shown above on the same page.

This week, Ofcom, the UK’s online safety regulator, announced that it had launched an investigation into an unnamed online suicide forum. This marks the first formal action taken by the regulator under the Online Safety Act since it gained its powers in March. 

We welcome that Ofcom has started to act against companies who are in clear breach of the Act’s duties. For children, parents, online safety campaigners and civil society organisations, this sends a distinct message to services that they must now comply with the Act’s provisions. 

Colette Collins-Walsh, Head of UK Affairs, said: 

“We welcome Ofcom’s swift action. Suicide forums are amongst the most toxic and dangerous spaces online, connected to countless tragedies. It is good to see the regulator stepping in. But this must be the start of robust enforcement. Later this year, we hope to see the same determination applied to tech companies failing their duties to children, who for too long have been treated as collateral damage by the tech industry.”

As the publication of the Protection of Children Codes of Practice approaches, the regulator must be ready to act against services that continue to bring harm to children.  5Rights has recently published its preliminary findings on social media service Walkie Talkie, uncovering major concerns for children’s safety: weak age assurance, continued exposure to harmful content and recommender systems that put children directly in contact with adult strangers. Where there are clear failings, the regulator must not hesitate to interevene and 5Rights will continue to bring similar cases to the regulator. 

This also requires steadfast support from the Government. Just last week, the 5Rights-led Children’s Coalition wrote to the Prime Minister, raising collective concerns that online safety regulations could be watered down in any potential trade deal with the United States of America. 

We will continue to follow Ofcom’s investigation closely.