Ofcom launches formal probe into Meta over Instagram Instants safety checks

Regulator examines risk assessment duties

The investigation determines whether Meta carried out a suitable and sufficient assessment of illegal content risks before launching the ephemeral photo-sharing tool. Ofcom stated that significant changes to platforms must be risk assessed prior to launch under the UK's Online Safety Act. The regulator will check if proper children's risk assessments were completed before the feature went live.

Meta defends its compliance record

A Meta spokesperson said the company conducted a risk analysis and briefed Ofcom on several occasions before the feature launched. The social media giant stated it will cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation into its regulatory obligations. Instagram noted that the feature includes protections such as blocking forwarding and default teen account settings for users under 18.

Potential fines for non-compliance

If a violation is established, Ofcom may impose a fine of up to 10% of Meta's qualifying worldwide revenue. The regulator warned that safety measures must be built into product design rather than added as an afterthought.