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UK probes Meta over risk assessment of Instagram Instants - Finance news and analysis from Global Banking & Finance Review
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UK probes Meta over risk assessment of Instagram Instants

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on October 6, 2026

2 min read

· Last updated: October 6, 2026

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UK Regulator Investigates Meta Over Instagram Instants Risk Assessment Compliance

Ofcom's Investigation into Meta's Instagram Instants Feature

Background of the Investigation

LONDON, Oct 6 (Reuters) - Britain's communications regulator said on Tuesday it has opened an investigation into whether Meta Platforms breached UK online safety laws by failing to properly assess risks posed by its Instagram Instants feature before launching it in May.

What is Instagram Instants?

Instants allows content shared by users in social media platform Instagram to disappear after being viewed.

Regulatory Concerns and Ofcom's Actions

Ofcom said its formal investigation would establish if Meta carried out a "suitable and sufficient" assessments into the risk of illegal content in the feature or any possible risks posed to children before launch.

Statements from Ofcom

George Lusty, director of enforcement at Ofcom, said: "Our online safety laws are clear – significant changes to platforms must be risk assessed before they're launched."

Emphasis on Safety by Design

He said safety by design had to be built in and not bolted on. "Today’s investigation shows we'll take action where we have concerns that providers are failing to comply," he added.

Meta's Response to the Investigation

Meta said it took its regulatory obligations under the Online Safety Act seriously.

Meta's Risk Assessment and Safety Measures

"We conducted a risk analysis and briefed Ofcom about this feature on a number of occasions before launching it," a spokesperson said.

"Instants has in-built protections, including blocking screenshots, reshares and forwarding, no public feed, and Teen Account protections on automatically."

"We will of course co-operate with Ofcom during this investigation," it added.

Legal Challenges and Broader Context

Meta has launched legal challenges against Ofcom over its implementation of the Online Safety Act, including the scale and the scope of the information it has to provide to the regulator, and the level of fees it charges.

(Reporting by Raechel Thankam Job in Bengaluru and Paul Sandle in London; Editing by Mrigank Dhaniwala and Sarah Young)

Key Takeaways

  • Ofcom is probing whether Meta failed to carry out “suitable and sufficient” risk assessments before launching Instants in May 2026, as mandated by the UK Online Safety Act 2023 (ofcom.org.uk).
  • Meta asserts it conducted risk analysis, briefed Ofcom multiple times pre‑launch, and implemented built‑in protections such as blocking screenshots, reshares, forwarding, and Teen Account safeguards (about.fb.com).
  • This investigation occurs amid Meta’s broader legal challenge against Ofcom concerning the calculation of fees and penalties under the Online Safety Act—particularly the use of global revenue rather than UK‑specific figures (theregister.com).

References

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Ofcom investigating Meta over Instagram Instants?
Ofcom is investigating whether Meta properly assessed risks, especially regarding illegal content and child safety, before launching Instagram Instants.
What is Instagram Instants?
Instagram Instants is a feature allowing content to disappear after being viewed, aiming for enhanced privacy for users.
What safety measures has Meta implemented for Instagram Instants?
Meta claims to have included protections like blocking screenshots, reshares, and forwarding, plus Teen Account protections.
What are the UK’s requirements under the Online Safety Act?
UK law requires significant changes to platforms to be risk assessed for illegal content and child safety before launch.
How has Meta responded to the investigation?
Meta stated it carried out risk analysis, briefed Ofcom, and is cooperating with the investigation, emphasizing compliance with regulations.

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