UK communications regulator Ofcom opened an investigation on Tuesday into whether Meta adequately assessed Instagram Instants’ risks to children and exposure to illegal content before launch.
Meta said it had conducted a risk analysis and consulted Ofcom several times before releasing the feature. It pledged to cooperate with the inquiry.
Instants lets users send images that disappear after viewing. According to Meta, its protections include blocking forwarding and applying the safeguards built into its teen account settings.
Those settings apply by default to under-18s on Instagram, Facebook and Messenger. Before making significant changes to their services’ design or operation, platforms must carry out risk assessments under the Online Safety Act (OSA).
Read: UK Big Tech Warning Targets Nude Images Sent By Children
George Lusty, Ofcom’s director of enforcement, called those assessments essential to protecting users. “Safety by design must be built in, not bolted on,” he said.
If Ofcom finds a breach, it can require corrective action. Its financial penalties can reach £18 million or 10% of qualifying worldwide revenue, whichever is greater.
Meanwhile, the regulator is separately investigating whether Meta failed to comply with an information request concerning WhatsApp.
Read: UK Announces Social Media Ban For Kids Under 16
Meta is challenging Ofcom in the High Court over fees charged to cover the regulator’s operating costs. In another case, it disputes the classification of WhatsApp and Instagram under the OSA, which imposes additional duties.
The company has also joined TikTok and X in challenging the amount of information Ofcom demands under the online safety regime.
