Ofcom investigates Meta over Instagram Instants risk checks

Ofcom has opened a formal investigation into whether Meta adequately assessed illegal-content and child-safety risks before launching Instagram’s Instants feature in May. The UK regulator has not concluded that Meta breached the law; the inquiry will examine whether the company completed suitable and sufficient risk assessments before the feature went live. Instants lets Instagram users share images that disappear after they are viewed. Under the Online Safety Act, platforms must assess risks associated with significant changes to their services before launch. Ofcom said it will investigate whether Meta carried out the required assessment of illegal-content risks and a separate assessment of potential risks to children. The regulator’s inquiry will first involve gathering and reviewing evidence. If Ofcom considers a breach likely, it can issue a provisional decision, giving Meta an opportunity to respond before a final ruling.