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Ofcom launches investigations into online safety breaches

Ofcom has opened nine new investigations under the Online Safety Act 2023 into whether the online discussion forum 4chan, seven file-sharing platforms, and the pornography provider First Time Videos have breached statutory duties to protect UK users. The regulator is assessing whether 4chan and file-sharing services Im.ge, Krakenfiles, Nippybox, Nippydrive, Nippyshare, Nippyspace and Yolobit failed to implement appropriate safety measures, conduct and retain suitable illegal harms risk assessments, and respond to legally binding information requests. Complaints were received regarding the potential circulation of child sexual abuse material on the file-sharing sites and broader concerns around illegal content on 4chan. Ofcom is separately examining whether First Time Videos LLC, which operates FTVGirls.com and FTVMilfs.com, has failed to deploy highly effective age verification mechanisms. The investigations form part of Ofcom’s wider enforcement activity following the implementation of online safety duties, with further action anticipated as additional requirements take effect.

DfT launches transport AI plan and accelerates driverless vehicle trials

The Department for Transport (DfT) has published its Transport Artificial Intelligence Action Plan and issued a call for evidence on the Statement of Safety Principles, a statutory requirement under section 2 of the Automated Vehicles Act 2024 (the Act). Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander confirmed that the Government will also accelerate commercial pilots of driverless taxi and bus-like services, bringing these forward to spring 2026—one year earlier than planned. These pilots, which will not require a safety driver, are intended to inform the implementation of the new regulatory regime and contribute to road safety, economic growth, and job creation.

Court of Justice provides ruling on meaning of ‘promotional offer’ under EU E-Commerce Directive (Verbraucherzentrale Hamburg v bonprix)

EU Law analysis: In a referral from the German Federal Court, the Court of Justice made a preliminary ruling on the meaning of a ‘promotional offer’ in Article 6(c) of Directive 2000/31/EC, the EU E-Commerce Directive, which may affect the advertising of a range of deferred buying and payment arrangements advertised when making online purchases. It held that ‘promotional offer’ must be interpreted as covering an advertising message on a website which refers to a payment arrangement, if this provides an object advantage to consumers which may influence buying decisions. This therefore carries with it the requirement to provide clear information to consumers on the terms and conditions relating to the ‘promotion’. In the underlying German case, although the ruling does not provide detail on the ‘user journey’ when using the website in question, it seems the need for consumers to undergo a credit check was only disclosed during the ordering process, not in the earlier promotion of this payment facility on the website. Written by Beverley Whittaker, consultant at Stevens & Bolton LLP.

Commission seeks views on high-risk AI classification and obligations

The European Commission has launched a public consultation to inform the implementation of the EU AI Act's provisions on high-risk artificial intelligence systems. The consultation, conducted by the Commission, aims to gather practical examples and clarify the application of rules concerning high-risk systems, which include those critical to product safety under EU law and those significantly impacting health, safety, or fundamental rights. The feedback will support the development of Commission guidelines on classifying such systems and specifying corresponding responsibilities along the AI value chain. Stakeholders such as developers, users, public authorities, academia, civil society, and citizens are encouraged to participate. The consultation runs until 18 July 2025.

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