Tony Smith and Angus Crawford of BBC News Investigations have uncovered a disturbing development regarding a pro-suicide forum under investigation by the UK’s online regulator. This marks the regulator’s first use of newly acquired powers under the Online Safety Act. The forum has been the subject of BBC News reports for the past three years, with documented cases linking it to at least 50 deaths in the UK. Operating with tens of thousands of members, including minors, the platform facilitates discussions on suicide methods, providing instructions on the procurement and use of a potent chemical.
With Ofcom recently acquiring the authority to take action against platforms hosting illegal content, the forum’s operators could face fines or court orders. Families who have lost loved ones to suicide after exposure to the forum have expressed support for the investigation, urging swift action from Ofcom to prevent further tragedies. One such case involves Vlad Nikolin-Caisley, a 17-year-old from Southampton who was guided into taking his own life by forum members before his untimely death. His parents have urged Ofcom to shut down the site to prevent future casualties.
The Online Safety Act, which became law in October 2023, empowered Ofcom to address sites hosting illegal content, including content promoting suicide. Websites must now demonstrate compliance with measures to remove illegal material, failure of which can result in fines up to £18m or platform blocking. BBC News investigations have revealed the gravity of the situation, with over 50 UK suicides linked to the forum. Despite obstacles such as anonymous operators and US-based hosting, Ofcom’s investigation aims to bring overdue accountability to those enabling such harmful activities.
Catherine Adenekan and Melanie Saville have mounted a five-year campaign to close down the forum following the tragic suicide of Catherine’s son, Joe. Despite his short tenure on the forum, Joe learned enough to acquire a lethal chemical for self-harm before taking his life in 2020. Catherine and Melanie documented the forum’s impact, including deaths and chemical sellers, relentlessly lobbying policymakers and the media for forum closure. The tireless efforts of families like theirs underscore the urgency for authorities to act swiftly to prevent further loss of life
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