AI translation of a Japanese article by ITmedia:

The major bulletin board “5channel” (5ch.net) and its related site “BBSPINK” (bbspink.com) are reportedly set to be permanently suspended by the U.S. registrar Epik. As of March 6, 5channel has begun operating under the alternative domain “5ch.io.”

According to Jim Watkins, who runs both sites, via X and other channels, his entire account with Epik will be suspended on March 9 due to content involving animal abuse that violates Epik’s terms of service.

Epik stated that “the responsibility for content management lies with the domain owner, and that responsibility has not been fulfilled,” declaring that 5channel and BBSPINK will be permanently suspended and that domain transfers will not be allowed.

Watkins reacted to the move by saying, “This is the end of free speech,” arguing that ICANN (the domain management organization) does not allow such permanent locks. He called on users to support him by emailing Epik in protest and hinted that “a solution will likely be found soon.”

Epik has also requested that other domains managed by Watkins, such as “8kun.net,” be transferred to another provider by March 9, separate from 5ch.net and bbspink.com.

Heyuri.net managed getting its way out of a permanent Epik suspension with no domain transfer in the past, but let's see if 5channel can do as much too