Ofcom investigates Meta over Instagram Instants feature
The regulator said Instagram had not fully assessed risks posed by its Instants feature prior to launching it.
Ofcom is investigating Meta for potential breaches of UK online safety laws related to the launch of the Instagram Instants feature. The tool allows users to take and share instant, disappearing images with close friends. However, Ofcom claims Meta did not adequately assess the risks associated with the feature before its release in May.
A Meta spokesperson stated that they take their regulatory obligations seriously and conducted a risk analysis before launching the feature. Ofcom will investigate whether Meta breached its duties by failing to conduct a suitable and sufficient risk assessment. The regulator emphasized that significant changes to platforms must be risk assessed before launch to protect users, similar to testing a new car.
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