UK probes Meta over risk assessment of Instagram Instants

LONDON, Oct 6 (Reuters) - Britain's Ofcom, the communications regulator, has launched an investigation into Meta Platforms over concerns that the company potentially breached UK online safety laws with its Instagram Instants feature, which was introduced in May. The feature allows users to share content on Instagram that disappears after being viewed.

Ofcom stated that it would determine if Meta conducted adequate assessments of the risks associated with the feature, particularly those posed to children, before its launch. George Lusty, director of enforcement at Ofcom, emphasized that the country's online safety laws require a thorough risk assessment before any significant changes to platforms are implemented.

He stressed the importance of integrating safety measures during the design process rather than adding them afterward. Ofcom takes action when providers fail to meet their compliance obligations. Meta affirmed its commitment to adhering to regulatory requirements and noted that it conducted a risk analysis and communicated with Ofcom about the feature prior to its launch.

Instants includes several protective measures, such as blocking screenshots and reshares, and Teen Account safeguards. The company will cooperate fully with Ofcom during the investigation. Meta has previously contested Ofcom's implementation of the Online Safety Act, raising objections regarding the amount and type of information the regulator obtains, as well as the fees associated with the compliance process.