Google has denied breaching the UK Online Safety Act after being accused of promoting a “nihilistic” suicide-related forum linked to 164 deaths in the United Kingdom, despite the content being restricted under UK law.

The UK’s internet regulator, Ofcom, previously fined the forum’s US-based operator £950,000, stating the site “presents a material risk of significant harm” and remains accessible in the UK even though British law criminalises encouraging or assisting suicide.

However, concerns have been raised that a link to the site still appears in Google search results, potentially allowing users to reach the content using widely available tools, despite efforts to restrict access.

The issue was highlighted by the Molly Rose Foundation, which continues to campaign for stronger enforcement of online safety protections.

Google reportedly displayed the site as the second search result beneath a link to Samaritans.

The associated webpage states that access to the forum has been “voluntarily restricted to users in the United Kingdom due to legal risks associated with the UK Online Safety Act 2023.”

However, it still includes the site’s direct web address, which can be used to reach the platform through virtual private network tools that make it appear as though the user is browsing from another country.

When accessed from locations such as the United States, Germany, and France, the full forum remains available and contains harmful suicide-related content, including detailed discussions about methods and related guidance.