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Ofcom investigates Meta over Instagram's Instants feature under UK safety laws
Overview
UK media regulator Ofcom is investigating Meta over whether it breached duties under the Online Safety Act by launching Instagram's "Instants" feature without conducting proper illegal content and children's risk assessments. The feature allows users to share disappearing photos with close friends or mutual followers. Meta stated that it conducted a risk analysis, briefed Ofcom prior to launch, and will cooperate with the investigation.
Key points
- Ofcom is investigating Meta regarding the May launch of Instagram's "Instants" feature.
- The regulator suspects Meta failed to carry out suitable and sufficient illegal content and children's risk assessments before launch, as required by the Online Safety Act.
- The Instants feature allows users to share spontaneous images with close friends or mutual followers that disappear after being viewed.
- Meta stated it conducted a risk analysis, briefed Ofcom beforehand, and will cooperate fully with the investigation.
- Meta, along with TikTok and X, is also separately challenging Ofcom's enforcement of the Online Safety Act through judicial review.