In response to Ofcom's announcement that it has reached the extent of its enforcement powers in its investigation of dangerous suicide forum, Sarah Ruane, Director of Policy, Practice & Influencing at Samaritans said:
"We are extremely disappointed by today's announcement from Ofcom. After months of investigating this suicide forum, and over three years since the Online Safety Act was passed, we are yet to see meaningful action against some of the most harmful sites online.
"Online platforms must know that any breach of the act will be heavily punished and this is a missed opportunity to hammer that message home. All today’s announcement does is raise serious questions about whether the Online Safety Act is fit for purpose. Under the new PM’s leadership, we need to see a strong commitment to ensuring Ofcom has the powers it needs to take decisive action.
"Our thoughts are with the bereaved families who have campaigned tirelessly for change and continue to live with the devastating consequences of suicide forums."