Ofcom investigates Meta over Instagram Instants safety checks

The UK's communications watchdog, Ofcom, is investigating whether Facebook's parent company, Meta, has complied with the Online Safety Act (OSA) by conducting adequate risk assessments for its new Instagram feature called "Instants". Instagram Instants is a Snapchat-style feature that allows users to send disappearing images.

According to the source, the OSA requires social media companies to carry out risk assessments before implementing significant changes to their service's design or operation. Ofcom's director of enforcement, George Lusty, emphasized the importance of risk assessments in keeping tech platforms safe for users, comparing it to the safety checks conducted before launching a new car.

Meta has stated that it conducted a risk analysis of Instants and engaged in discussions with Ofcom before launching the feature. The company claims that Instants includes protections such as blocking forwarding and adheres to the safeguards under its teen account settings, which are the default mode for under-18s on Instagram, Facebook, and Messenger.

The Molly Rose Foundation, a charity established by the family of a teenager who took their own life after viewing harmful content on Instagram, has called for Meta to be held accountable for any failures under the Online Safety Act. Ofcom is already investigating Meta for potential breaches related to its WhatsApp platform, and the company is challenging Ofcom in court over various aspects of the OSA, including fees and classification as a new category of service.