The broadcasting watchdog-turned online sheriff Ofcom has declared it has “sovereign immunity” from a lawsuit filed by US-based site 4chan, after the site sued the regulator for violating its First Amendment protections. It is the latest in a free speech clash sparked by (what else?) the Online Safety Act, which Ofcom used to fine 4chan £20,000 earlier this year. A fine 4chan is refusing to pay…
In response to 4chan’s latest counterattack, Ofcom filed a notice in federal court in DC:
“Ofcom is a UK public regulatory authority and has substantial grounds for seeking dismissal of this lawsuit based on sovereign immunity.”
4chan’s lawyers argue that since Ofcom operates as a “commercial enterprise” , it should not benefit from sovereign immunity. Ofcom, meanwhile, still insists 4chan is not protected by the First Amendment and is demanding the cash. It’s all out war…
Reacting to the news of Jenrick’s sacking at a press conference in Fife, Nigel Farage said:
“I’ll give him a ring this afternoon. Might even buy him a pint.”