Google has denied breaching the Online Safety Act after a suicide forum linked to 164 UK deaths was found in Google's search results. The forum, which presents a material risk of significant harm, was fined £950,000 by Ofcom for violating the UK's broadcasting code.
The online regulator, Ofcom, fined the US-based operator of the forum after an investigation found that the site could still be accessed in the UK. Google has stated that it does not promote or endorse the forum, but the search engine's results still display the site.
The UK's internet regulator has called on Google to take action to prevent the forum from appearing in search results. However, a Google spokesperson said that the company is committed to following the law and does not believe it has breached the Online Safety Act.
The Online Safety Act was introduced to tackle the spread of harmful content online, including material that poses a risk to people's physical or mental well-being. The legislation gives Ofcom powers to fine companies that fail to comply with the regulations.
Google's denial of breaching the Online Safety Act has raised questions about the effectiveness of the legislation in protecting UK citizens from online harm. The UK Government has been urged to take further action to ensure that tech companies are held accountable for their role in spreading harmful content.