UK watchdog opens first Online Safety Act probe into Meta
META•Ofcom opened its first formal investigation into Meta under the UK Online Safety Act, questioning whether the company properly assessed risks from Instagram Instants before its May launch. Meta said it conducted a risk analysis and briefed Ofcom before launch.
1. Probe examines risk assessment
Ofcom is investigating whether Meta carried out a “suitable and sufficient” assessment of illegal-content and child-safety risks posed by Instagram Instants before launching the feature in May. Instants lets Instagram users share content that disappears after it is viewed.
2. Meta says safeguards are built in
Meta said it takes its obligations under the act seriously and conducted a risk analysis, briefing Ofcom about the feature several times before launch. The company said Instants blocks screenshots, reshares and forwarding, has no public feed, and automatically includes Teen Account protections.
3. Potential penalties
Ofcom can impose fines of up to £18 million or 10% of qualifying worldwide revenue, whichever is greater, for non-compliance. Meta has also brought legal challenges against Ofcom over its implementation of the act.
