Website nobody can shut down linked to dozens of deaths

Wales Online

01-07-2025

Website nobody can shut down linked to dozens of deaths
The US-based website has been strongly condemned by a coroner after a 'cluster' of eight deaths
(L-R) Matthew O'Reilly, Kelly Walsh and Samuel Dickenson
(Image: Family handouts )
A controversial online forum linked to several suicides in Greater Manchester is still active, despite repeated warnings from police and a senior coroner. Manchester West coroner Timothy Brennand has raised concerns that the site may be putting more lives at risk.
The Manchester Evening News, which first reported the story, has chosen not to name the forum because of its harmful content. The forum has been mentioned in at least six suicide inquests in Greater Manchester. These include the deaths of 45-year-old Kelly Walsh, 18-year-old university student Matthew O'Reilly, and Samuel Dickenson, a 33-year-old father of two.
Their deaths involved a dangerous substance discussed on the site. Mr Brennand has written to the Home Office warning that more lives could be lost if the forum continues to operate without action.
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He said police had found that people could easily access websites, mostly based in other countries, that give detailed information about how to take their own lives, including where to find dangerous materials and how to use them.
He added that between 2022 and 2023, police linked 45 deaths in the UK and Europe to the use of one particular method shared online. Another 40 people were found to have bought materials with the intention of ending their lives.
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Detective Inspector Andrew Wright, speaking at the inquest into Kelly Walsh's death, said forum users often shared instructions and encouraged others who were thinking about suicide.
He explained that many of the posts offer advice on how to get the materials used in these cases.
The website currently has more than 56,000 members and over 2.8 million posts. Some of these are personal stories of suicide attempts and deaths, often shared in distressing detail. Despite this, the site still appears to be available in the UK, including to young people.
The forum's home page also includes a response to the Ofcom investigation, describing it as a 'clear and unprecedented overreach by a foreign regulator against a U.S-based platform'. It adds: "We reject this interference and will be defending the site's existence and mission."
Ged Flynn, chief executive of suicide prevention charity Papyrus, said that online forums like this can be especially harmful to young people and others who are struggling.
'Those who peddle the gratuitous promotion of self-harm and suicide content online must weigh up the consequences before putting their work before the public, particularly young people and those who may be vulnerable,' he said.
'We believe many suicides can be prevented and we all have a role to play in making our communities suicide-safer. Young people need to know they are not alone and that professional help and advice is available right now.
'There is nothing better in our darkest hour to have a conversation with a person who can help us to navigate emotional distress and keep us suicide-safe. Our professional advisors are a lifeline to young people, their parents and friends when suicidal thinking becomes a reality.'
Ofcom, the UK's communications regulator, started investigating the site in April under the new Online Safety Act. The law requires websites and apps to protect users in the UK from harmful and illegal content, including anything that encourages suicide.
A spokesperson said: 'In March, duties under the Online Safety Act came into force that mean service providers must now take steps to protect their UK users from illegal content and activity – including encouraging or assisting suicide.
'In April, we launched our first investigation under the Act, which was into the provider of an online suicide forum. Due to its nature, we have decided not to name the provider and forum.
'We made several attempts to engage with this provider in respect of its duties under the Act and issued a legally binding request to tell us what steps are being taken to protect UK users from illegal content.
'Having received a limited response to our request, and unsatisfactory information, we launched an investigation into whether the provider is complying with its legal obligations under the Act. We are currently gathering and analysing evidence to determine whether a contravention has occurred.
'If our assessment indicates a compliance failure, we will issue a provisional notice of contravention to the provider, who can then make representations on our findings, before we make our final decision. We will provide an update on this investigation as soon as possible.'
If the site is found to be breaking the law, Ofcom has the power to fine it up to £18 million or 10 percent of its global income. In serious cases, the regulator can also ask internet companies or payment providers to block access to the site from within the UK.
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A government spokesperson said: 'Our thoughts are with the families and friends of all those who have tragically lost their lives in these incidents.
'We have received the Future Prevention of Deaths Report from the coroner and we will consider it carefully. The Government keeps dangerous substances under constant review to ensure appropriate regulation and controls are in place.
'We also expect retailers to report any attempted or suspicious transactions of restricted materials under the Poisons Act, especially where the buyer may intend to cause harm to themselves or others. The Online Safety Act also requires platforms to remove illegal content, including that which encourages people to self-harm or take their own lives.'