Ofcom has intensified its investigation into an online suicide forum following criticism from bereaved families and survivors who expressed disappointment and shock at the lack of action taken.
Responding to increased pressure from advocacy groups, the media regulator confirmed that it is prioritizing and expediting its inquiry into the matter with the aim of a prompt resolution.
This suicide forum became the initial focus of an Ofcom investigation under the Online Safety Act, which commenced in April. Although the US-based platform implemented a geo-block to prevent access by UK users in response to enforcement actions, the Molly Rose Foundation (MRF) reported that the site is still actively utilized by at-risk individuals despite the restrictions.
After being informed by MRF that UK individuals were still able to access the forum on October 21, Ofcom indicated that evidence provided by Samaritans on November 4 led them to believe that the service was indeed accessible to UK users.
In a letter addressed to Ofcom’s chief executive Melanie Dawes, bereaved families expressed frustration over the regulator’s failure to take decisive enforcement actions against the forum, emphasizing the urgency of protecting vulnerable individuals from the harmful content promoted on the site.
Furthermore, MRF and Families and Survivors to Prevent Online Suicide Harms highlighted that numerous warnings had been issued to the Government regarding the forum and a hazardous substance linked to around 133 deaths in the UK, with the actual toll potentially higher.
The victims associated with the forum and the substance were predominantly in their early twenties, with the youngest known victim being 13 years old. While acknowledging these tragic incidents, the Mirror refrained from explicitly naming the forum or the hazardous substance out of sensitivity.
The families seeking justice for victims, including individuals like Lucas Webb at 16 and Vlad Nikolin-Caisley at 17, are calling for a public inquiry into the State’s response to the site and the toxic substance, citing missed opportunities to prevent further tragedies.
An Ofcom spokesperson assured that the investigation was being expedited following new evidence from Samaritans, emphasizing the need for swift enforcement against services failing to protect UK users from illegal content. They reiterated their commitment to engaging with those impacted by online harm, including bereaved families and survivors.
Andy Burrows, Chief Executive of MRF, welcomed the potential shift in Ofcom’s approach but raised concerns about the delay in addressing legal breaches and the need for families to push for regulatory action. He also questioned why Ofcom had not acted on prior information regarding UK users accessing the forum.
For mental health support, individuals can contact the Samaritans at 116 123, via email at jo@samaritans.org, or by visiting samaritans.org to locate the nearest branch.
