Ofcom Investigates Meta's Instagram Instants Feature Over Safety Concerns

Britain's communications regulator Ofcom has initiated a formal investigation into Meta regarding Instagram's Instants feature, which allows users to share content that disappears after being viewed. The regulator is examining whether Meta conducted a 'suitable and sufficient' risk assessment before launching the feature in May, focusing on risks of illegal content sharing and potential harm to children.

Ofcom's director of enforcement George Lusty stated that the Online Safety Act requires platforms to assess risks before launching significant changes, with safety measures built into design from the outset. Meta has responded that Instants includes built-in safeguards such as blocking screenshots, reshares and forwarding, and lacks a public feed. The company claims it conducted risk analysis and briefed Ofcom multiple times before launch.

Under the Online Safety Act, platforms found in breach face fines up to £18 million or 10 percent of qualifying worldwide revenue, whichever is higher. This investigation reflects ongoing tensions between Meta and Ofcom, with the company having previously challenged the regulator in court over information requests and fee structures.