First reported 20 Nov 2013•Latest report 29 Apr 2026
Definition
What this concern includes
Includes failures of controls specifically intended to prevent, restrict, detect or respond to vulnerable people's access to online suicide-promoting or suicide-facilitating content, including accessible forums, websites, books or social-media material and inadequate platform, regulatory or enforcement arrangements.
Not included
Excludes general harmful online content where suicide promotion or facilitation is not the identified hazard.
Excludes mental-health treatment, crisis-support or safety-netting deficiencies that do not concern access to online suicide-promoting content.
Excludes ordinary online availability or neutral discussion of suicide where no promotion, instruction, facilitation or safety-control failure is identified.
Excludes harmful-content amplification concerns where the asserted unsafe condition is broader platform recommendation or dissemination and is not specifically tied to suicide-promoting content.
Reports
24
Distinct published reports
Individual concerns
32
A report can raise multiple concerns
Date range
2013–2026
First to latest report issue date
Stated actions
43
Described in published responses
Reports over time
Reports over time
Reports about this concern issued each year.
* 2026 is projected from reports observed to 7 Sep 2026.
Most frequent recipients
Most frequent recipients
Reports about this concern sent to each recipient.
Home Office10
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology5
Department of Health and Social Care5
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport4
Ofcom4
Amazon UK Services Ltd.2
Google UK Limited2
National Crime Agency2
British Transport Police1
Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (2017 to 2023)1
National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Safety in Mental Health1
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence1
National Police Chiefs’ Council1
NHS England1
Recipient name withheld1
Ministerial department20
Economic regulator4
Private limited company3
Non-ministerial department2
Devolved government1
Executive non-departmental public body1
Health professional body1
National policing body1
NHS trust1
Special police force1
University research centre1
Type not available1
Concerns and responses across reports
Only concerns grouped under this recurring concern are included. Select any concern, action or position to view the source wording.
Swansea and Neath Port Talbot
Concerns raised1
Online availability of suicide methods and concealment advice
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.8
Action
Publish the Illegal Harms Statement, final Illegal Harms Codes of Practice and related guidance.
Stated by OfcomStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 12 March 2025.
Action
Operate Supervision teams that engage selected high-risk services to assess their safety measures and drive timely compliance improvements.
Stated by OfcomStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 12 March 2025.
Action
Engage TikTok on the suicide-content and child-safety issues raised in the Report.
Stated by OfcomStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 12 March 2025.
Action
Operate a dedicated taskforce to bring smaller, riskier online services, including suicide discussion forums, into compliance.
Stated by OfcomStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 12 March 2025.
Action
Run three sector-wide compliance programmes monitoring providers’ illegal-content risk-assessment and record-keeping duties.
Stated by OfcomStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 12 March 2025.
Action
Investigate the identified suicide forum’s compliance with safety measures, illegal-harms risk-assessment and information-request duties, and provide regular website updates.
Stated by OfcomStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 12 March 2025.
Action
Work with Ofcom to implement the Online Safety Act quickly and effectively.
Stated by Department for Science, Innovation and TechnologyStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 12 March 2025.
Action
Continue examining ways to extend protections under the Online Safety Act while maintaining focus on swift implementation.
Stated by Department for Science, Innovation and TechnologyStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 12 March 2025.
Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.3
Position
Online services, rather than Ofcom, are legally responsible for assessing and mitigating risks and removing illegal suicide content under the Act.
Stated by OfcomRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.
Position
Criminal law concerning encouraging or assisting suicide is the responsibility of the Ministry of Justice.
Stated by Department for Science, Innovation and TechnologyRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.
Position
Prosecution decisions for encouraging or assisting suicide belong to the Crown Prosecution Service after police investigation.
Stated by Department for Science, Innovation and TechnologyRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.
Inner North London
Concerns raised2
Ready availability of information providing instructions for ending one’s own life
Lack of useful age verification on websites providing suicide guides
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.6
Action
Publish the final Illegal Harms Statement, including the Illegal Harms Codes of Practice and guidance.
Stated by OfcomStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 14 November 2024.
Action
Publish Illegal Content Judgements Guidance explaining how services can identify illegal suicide content.
Stated by OfcomStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 14 November 2024.
Action
Produce the Illegal Harms Register of Risks, risk profiles and risk-assessment guidance for regulated services.
Stated by OfcomStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 14 November 2024.
Action
Continue regulatory supervision and direct work with high-risk services to promote compliance and improve protection from illegal or child-harmful suicide material.
Stated by OfcomStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 14 November 2024.
Action
Implement the Online Safety Act with Ofcom to regulate illegal and harmful suicide and self-harm content online.
Stated by Department for Science, Innovation and TechnologyStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 14 November 2024.
Action
Introduce a communications offence covering intentional encouragement or assistance of serious self-harm.
Stated by Department for Science, Innovation and TechnologyStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 14 November 2024.
Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.3
Position
Regulated online services are responsible for assessing and mitigating suicide-content risks and removing or reducing illegal content.
Stated by OfcomRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.
Position
Ofcom cannot yet enforce the new online-safety duties because required implementation steps and Parliamentary approval remain outstanding.
Stated by OfcomUnable to actThe respondent said that a constraint prevented them from taking the relevant action.
Position
The Act does not restrict adults’ access to legal suicide content, limiting protection available through that legislation.
Stated by Department for Science, Innovation and TechnologyUnable to actThe respondent said that a constraint prevented them from taking the relevant action.
Nottinghamshire
Concerns raised2
Continued public availability of online guidance on sourcing and using the substance for suicide
Lack of a system for prompt detection and removal of websites providing guidance on sourcing and using the substance for suicide
This report raised 4 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.2
Action
Coordinate cross-sector work through an emerging methods working group to reduce public access to and awareness of suicide methods.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 14 October 2024.
Action
Work with internet service providers, technology companies, social media platforms and expert advisers to tackle harmful pro-suicide forums.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 14 October 2024.
Wiltshire and Swindon
Concerns raised2
Exclusion of provider content from online safety legislation when Amazon UK directly offers suicide-instruction publications through its own marketplace
Failure of criminal penalties to substantively dissuade limited companies from marketing suicide-instruction publications
This report raised 1 other concern. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.2
Position
The Online Safety Act does not prevent adults accessing legal suicide and self-harm content because some content may provide support.
Stated by Department for Science, Innovation and TechnologyDisputes the concernThe respondent disagreed with part of the concern or the basis for it.
Position
There is no legislative sentencing gap because the Crown Court can impose a fine on a company convicted under the Suicide Act 1961.
Stated by Department for Science, Innovation and TechnologyDisputes the concernThe respondent disagreed with part of the concern or the basis for it.
Cheshire
Concerns raised1
Failure to restrict sale and expedited delivery of a harmful suicide book
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.1
Position
Existing content guidelines and the freedom-of-expression approach are considered sufficient, so the book will not be removed from sale.
Stated by Amazon UK Services Ltd.Existing arrangements considered sufficientThe respondent said that existing arrangements were sufficient, so no further action was needed.
Cornwall and Isles of Scilly
Concerns raised1
Online facilitation of UK home delivery of equipment for ending life
This report raised 1 other concern. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.1
Action
Raise nitrogen-related concerns with the Concerning Methods Working Group and suggest engaging UK sellers to minimise harm.
Stated by Department for Science, Innovation and TechnologyStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 12 February 2024.
Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.3
Position
Enforcement of existing suicide-related offences falls outside the government's functions.
Stated by Department for Science, Innovation and TechnologyOutside remitThe respondent said that this matter was outside its role or authority.
Position
Police investigations, CPS prosecution decisions and courts determine whether authors or distributors have committed an offence.
Stated by Department for Science, Innovation and TechnologyRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.
Position
The sale of nitrogen and other inert gases is not prohibited because they have many legitimate industrial and commercial uses.
Stated by National Crime AgencyDisputes the concernThe respondent disagreed with part of the concern or the basis for it.
Cheshire
Concerns raised1
Availability of suicide-assistance material online
This report raised 2 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.6
Action
Work with other government departments to tackle vulnerable users’ access to harmful online content.
Stated by Department for Science, Innovation and TechnologyStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 11 January 2024.
Action
Work closely with Ofcom to accelerate implementation of the Online Safety Act framework.
Stated by Department for Science, Innovation and TechnologyStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 11 January 2024.
Action
Review measures to reduce harm from harmful suicide and self-harm publications, monitor their impact, and learn from relevant international examples.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 11 January 2024.
Action
Revisit discussions with online marketplaces about selling harmful publications, working with police and suicide prevention charities.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 11 January 2024.
Action
Operate measures to reduce awareness of and limit access to suicide methods, including the method involved in the death.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 11 January 2024.
Action
Work closely with DSIT and Ofcom to support work addressing illegal and harmful online suicide and self-harm content.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 11 January 2024.
Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.2
Position
Ofcom and regulated online services are responsible for enforcing and meeting legal duties concerning illegal suicide content online.
Stated by National Crime AgencyRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.
Position
DSIT is responsible for explaining how the Online Safety Act will address illegal and harmful suicide and self-harm content.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.
Inner West London
Concerns raised2
Open chatrooms permitting the exchange of information and methods that encourage, assist, counsel or procure suicide
Failure to effectively remove posts containing details of suicide methods
This report raised 4 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.8
Action
Work with Government colleagues to create and implement actions restricting access to online pro-suicide and self-harm content.
Stated by ACCStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 28 December 2023.
Action
Engage with in-scope services through ongoing regulatory supervision and support them toward compliance.
Stated by OfcomStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 28 December 2023.
Action
Publish and consult on illegal-harms risk guidance, risk profiles, draft Codes of Practice and illegal-content judgements guidance.
Stated by OfcomStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 28 December 2023.
Action
Publish the final illegal-harms statement and associated guidance after completing the consultation.
Stated by OfcomStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 28 December 2023.
Action
Submit the illegal-harms Codes of Practice to the Secretary of State and progress them through the statutory approval process.
Stated by OfcomStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 28 December 2023.
Action
Collaborate with international and domestic partners to limit access to suicide methods, share evidence, and tackle suppliers of harmful substances.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 28 December 2023.
Action
Enact the Online Safety Act, establishing illegal-content, child-safety and search-service duties covering suicide and self-harm material.
Stated by Department for Science, Innovation and TechnologyStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 28 December 2023.
Action
Work closely with Ofcom to accelerate implementation of the online safety regulatory framework.
Stated by Department for Science, Innovation and TechnologyStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 28 December 2023.
Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.7
Position
National monitoring of online pro-suicide forums is not undertaken because it is resource-intensive, lacks a clear legal basis, and raises data-processing concerns.
Stated by ACCUnable to actThe respondent said that a constraint prevented them from taking the relevant action.
Position
The National Crime Agency considers monitoring online pro-suicide forums outside its mission and strategic priorities.
Stated by ACCOutside remitThe respondent said that this matter was outside its role or authority.
Position
Government, led by the Home Office and Department of Health and Social Care, is responsible for cross-government suicide-prevention work.
Stated by ACCRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.
Position
Ofcom is responsible for regulating online services and enforcing Online Safety Act duties concerning suicide and self-harm content.
Stated by ACCRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.
Position
Ofcom cannot enforce regulated services’ new duties until required consultations, Codes of Practice, parliamentary approval and other implementation steps are completed.
Stated by OfcomUnable to actThe respondent said that a constraint prevented them from taking the relevant action.
Position
Detailed information on how the Online Safety Act addresses illegal and harmful suicide content should be obtained from DSIT.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.
Position
Forums hosted outside the UK may prevent successful prosecution because of jurisdiction and enforcement issues.
Stated by Department for Science, Innovation and TechnologyUnable to actThe respondent said that a constraint prevented them from taking the relevant action.
South Wales Central
Concerns raised1
Failure to restrict vulnerable individuals' access to self-harm and suicide-facilitating websites
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
No linked response statements
No respondent-stated action or position is linked to these concerns in the published data.
Inner North London
Concerns raised1
Easy accessibility of websites and forums openly promoting and advertising suicide methods
This report raised 1 other concern. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised.2
Action
Work with online platforms to encourage removal or reduced access to harmful suicide and self-harm material before legislation comes into force.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 22 March 2022.
Action
Confirm encouraging or assisting suicide as a priority illegal offence under the Online Safety Bill.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 22 March 2022.
Respondent positions A position is what a respondent says about the concern when they do not describe a specific action.1
Position
The Online Safety Bill cannot be implemented immediately because legislation takes time to come into force.
Stated by Department of Health and Social CareUnable to actThe respondent said that a constraint prevented them from taking the relevant action.
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Includes failures of controls specifically intended to prevent, restrict, detect or respond to vulnerable people's access to online suicide-promoting or suicide-facilitating content, including accessible forums, websites, books or social-media material and inadequate platform, regulatory or enforcement arrangements.
