Britain’s communications regulator opened an investigation into whether Meta properly assessed risks from Instagram Instants before its May launch. Meta said it conducted a risk analysis and briefed the regulator before launch.
Ofcom is investigating whether Meta carried out a “suitable and sufficient” assessment of risks of illegal content and possible risks to children before launching Instants in May. The feature lets Instagram users share content that disappears after it is viewed. Ofcom enforcement director George Lusty said significant platform changes must be risk assessed before launch.
Meta said it takes its obligations under the Online Safety Act seriously and conducted a risk analysis, briefing Ofcom about Instants on several occasions before launch. The company said the feature blocks screenshots, reshares and forwarding, has no public feed, and automatically includes Teen Account protections. Meta said it would cooperate with the investigation. The company has also brought legal challenges against Ofcom over the act’s implementation, including information requirements and fees.
