Byrne says the immunity ruling weakens Ofcom's enforcement threat against Americans
Preston ByrneCounsel for 4chan and Lolcow
Byrne disagrees with advice that American targets should engage with Ofcom after the immunity ruling. He argues that Ofcom's win on immunity will make it harder for Ofcom to present a credible enforcement threat to Americans.
“Ofcom prevailed on this point, which may have won Ofcom this motion, but it also will make it much more difficult for Ofcom, in the future, to present a credible enforcement threat to an American.”
Analysis
Other statements by Preston Byrne in this case
Every statement by Preston Byrne
Where this statement fits
4chan lawyer Preston Byrne says Ofcom cannot enforce its fines in the United States
Preston Byrne, 4chan's lawyer, calls Ofcom's warning about foreign collection limits a practical defeat. Ofcom defends its UK safety duties and describes enforcement options. A U.S. court dismissed 4chan's challenge on immunity grounds without deciding a future collection case.
Source and context
Analysis
About this source
Byrne is counsel to the plaintiffs. He acknowledges losing the immunity motion and distinguishes persuasive remarks from a declaration the court did not issue.
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)Before the quotation
Byrne writes that London-based compliance practices are marketing engagement with Ofcom after the 4chan v. Ofcom ruling, and that for an American target he disagrees.
After the quotation
He writes that the court's comments made in passing accomplished most of what his clients had hoped to achieve with the declaration they sought.
How this statement is classified
The label describes this statement's response within the context above.
Why this label?
The reference point is Ofcom's attempt to enforce its online-safety requirements against American sites. Byrne disputes the reading that the immunity ruling strengthens Ofcom's hand against Americans; this passage contests an interpretation of the ruling rather than expressly condemning a specific enforcement act.
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The Dispute Index. "Byrne says the immunity ruling weakens Ofcom's enforcement threat against Americans". First published: 2026-10-28. Last updated: 2026-10-28. https://disputeindex.com/events/7027-byrne-disagrees-with-advice-that-american-targets-should