UK Watchdog Opens First Online Safety Act Probe Into Meta

Ofcom, the UK's communications watchdog, is investigating whether Meta, the parent company of Instagram, has complied with the Online Safety Act (OSA) by conducting adequate risk assessments before launching a Snapchat-style feature called Instagram Instants. The OSA requires social media companies to assess the potential risks of significant changes to their service's design or operation.

According to George Lusty, director of enforcement at Ofcom, risk assessments are crucial for ensuring the safety of users on tech platforms. Lusty stated, "You wouldn’t launch a new car without testing it properly, and it’s the same for online services." Meta has claimed it has completed a risk analysis of Instants and communicated with Ofcom prior to its launch.

The feature includes protections such as blocking forwarding and adheres to the default safety settings for under-18s on Instagram, Facebook, and Messenger. Meta spokesperson said, "We will of course cooperate with Ofcom during this investigation." The Molly Rose Foundation, a charity founded by the family of a teenager who died after viewing harmful content on Instagram, emphasized the importance of Meta being held accountable for any failures under the Online Safety Act.

Ofcom is already investigating Meta for potentially breaching the law by failing to provide information regarding its WhatsApp platform. Meta is challenging Ofcom in court over the OSA, disputing the regulator's fee charges for tech firms and its classification under the act that imposes additional duties. Meta has joined other tech companies, including TikTok and Elon Musk's X, in a legal challenge against Ofcom over the amount of information they are required to disclose under the UK's new online safety regime.