The controversial online forum 4chan risks being blocked in the UK after refusing to pay a fine from Ofcom for breaking rules set by the Online Safety Act .

The website, which hosts adult content, was handed a £20,000 for failing to share information about the risk of illegal content on its platform.

Media watchdog Ofcom said action would be taken against companies that "flagrantly fails to engage with Ofcom and their duties under the Online Safety Act".

Lawyers for 4chan described the fine, which is the first to be handed down under the new regulation, as “risible” and “stupid”.

4chan, which has been referred to as the “cesspit of the internet”, has previously been blamed for radicalising young men, while also being linked to mass shootings.

It is also the founding place of the onl

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