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UK Regulator Ofcom Investigates Meta Over Instagram Instants Compliance With Online Safety Act

Britain's communications regulator Ofcom has opened an investigation into Meta to determine whether the company properly assessed risks before launching the Instagram Instants feature. The probe focuses on compliance with the Online Safety Act, specifically the potential for illegal content distribution and harms to minors. Instants, introduced in May 2026, allows users to exchange images that disappear after viewing. Under UK rules, platforms must update risk assessments before rolling out significant changes. Ofcom will first gather evidence and, if violations are found, issue a preliminary decision allowing Meta to respond. Penalties for non-compliance can reach 18 million pounds or 10 percent of global turnover, whichever is higher. Meta maintains it conducted risk analysis and implemented safeguards such as forwarding restrictions and teen account protections before launch.

AntiMalwareTranslated from Russian

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Britain's communications regulator Ofcom has launched an investigation into Meta to assess whether the company adequately evaluated risks before introducing the Instagram Instants feature. The review examines compliance with the Online Safety Act, focusing on threats of illegal content spread and potential harm to minors.

The Instants function, rolled out in May 2026, enables users to exchange images that automatically disappear after being viewed. UK regulations require platforms to update their risk assessments before implementing substantial new features. Companies must first analyze how such changes could affect users and only then proceed with deployment.

Ofcom will collect evidence during the initial phase. If a breach is identified, the regulator will issue a preliminary decision, giving Meta an opportunity to respond before a final ruling. Should violations be confirmed, Ofcom can mandate corrective measures and impose fines of up to 18 million pounds or 10 percent of the company's relevant global revenue, whichever amount is greater.

Meta stated that it performed risk evaluations and engaged with Ofcom prior to the launch. The company highlighted built-in protections, including restrictions on forwarding and enhanced safety settings for teenage accounts. The regulator will now determine whether these steps and the preceding assessment meet legal requirements.

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