Ofcom, the UK communications watchdog, has initiated a formal inquiry into Meta regarding its Instagram Instants feature. Investigators are reviewing whether the company adequately and properly evaluated safety risks prior to launching the function in May 2026.
The inquiry centers on potential dangers concerning illegal material and risks to minors. According to Ofcom, digital platforms are obligated to evaluate safety hazards prior to rolling out major updates.
George Lusty, Ofcom’s enforcement director, emphasized that safety evaluations must be integrated throughout the product design phase instead of being handled after launch.
What is Instagram Instants?
Instagram Instants allows users to share photos that disappear after they are viewed. The feature was introduced by Meta in May as a way for people to share moments more privately.
While the service relies on ephemerality, Ofcom is investigating whether Meta adequately analyzed how the tool might be exploited for unlawful behavior or subject children to detrimental encounters.
This inquiry does not mean Meta has violated UK regulations. Ofcom will evaluate the firm’s adherence to the rules throughout the course of the investigation.
Online Safety Act sets risk assessment rules
The inquiry is being conducted pursuant to the UK’s Online Safety Act. This law mandates that applicable user-to-user platforms perform comprehensive risk evaluations concerning illegal material. Furthermore, companies are required to execute additional assessments ahead of implementing major modifications to a platform’s design or functionality.
Official guidelines from Ofcom specify that risk evaluations ought to account for a platform’s specific features, its user base, and the risks tied to unlawful material. Platforms are also required to maintain current evaluations as their offerings develop.
Additionally, the legislation mandates that services evaluate dangers facing children, such as the likelihood that minors might encounter damaging material via platform tools and algorithms.
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