UK's Ofcom Investigates Meta Over Instagram Instants Safety Checks
What Happened
The UK's communications regulator, Ofcom, has opened a formal investigation into Meta to determine whether it properly assessed the risks associated with Instagram Instants before launching the feature in May 2026. Ofcom said it is examining whether Meta carried out sufficiently robust assessments of risks related to illegal content and children's safety, as required under the UK's Online Safety Act.
Key Takeaways
This is Ofcom's first formal investigation into Meta under the Online Safety Act. If regulators find that Meta failed to comply with its obligations, the company could face penalties of up to £18 million or 10% of its qualifying global revenue, whichever is higher. Meta says it conducted a risk analysis before launch and will cooperate with the investigation.