Attention....loss of Images

[mgcjag]

We are a UK forum hosted on a UK server (E type UK)...most of the photos are on Imgur.....they have now stopped access to their site from the UK....a change would mean hosting our forum outside the UK....just for info you cant see all photos on JL from the UK as there are some Imgur photos on JL that can't be viewed if your in the UK.....anything is possible at a cost and with "staff".... I'm sure Heuer will give a more precise answer...Steve

[Heuer]

Blame the UK Government, they introduced the online safety act which requires all photo hosting companies to police their users by providing either a valid credit card or photo ID to prove you are over 18. The UK Government threatened to fine IMGUR as they have refused to implement such a device as a) it can be easily bypassed, b) they don't agree with the UK legislation and c) there is a big cost involved.

Under the act all websites and Forums are required to provide a risk assessment and check members ages or they will be fined or shut down. So I will need all your bank details, passport scans and photos please!

UK residents are the only ones affected, well apart from China, North Korea, Iran and a few more 'progressive' countries. No workaround and even using a different image host is no guarantee as they could also be closed or forced to block UK users. I have 7,400 E-Type photos hosted on IMGUR and whilst I could put them elsewhere there is no practical way of linking each one to specific posts. So any money you may have paid us for this content can be spent on a VPN. They are seamless in operation and you should be using one as a matter of practice on your mobile if you use public WiFi.

Rory - you are not affected unless you are temporarily residing in the UK