Ofcom Opens Investigation Into Meta over Instagram Instants Risk Checks
The probe will examine whether Meta completed required illegal-content and children’s risk assessments before launching the disappearing-photo feature.
- On Tuesday, Britain's regulator Ofcom opened an investigation into Meta Platforms, examining whether the company breached UK online safety laws by failing to properly assess risks posed by its Instagram Instants feature before launching it in May.
- Under the Online Safety Act, platforms must perform rigorous risk assessments before launching updates to protect users. Ofcom alleges Meta failed to complete a "suitable and sufficient" evaluation regarding illegal content or risks to children before releasing Instants.
- Ofcom enforcement director George Lusty stated, "You wouldn't launch a new car without testing it properly," emphasizing that safety measures must be "built in and not bolted on." Lusty's analogy underscores mandatory pre-launch risk assessments.
- A Meta spokesperson said the company "takes its regulatory obligations under the Online Safety Act seriously." Meta claims it conducted a risk analysis and briefed Ofcom on several occasions before launch, promising full cooperation with the investigation.
- This probe represents a critical test case for the OSA's enforcement powers, signaling that regulators are prepared to rigorously scrutinize new platform rollouts. The investigation adds another layer to mounting legal friction between Meta and UK watchdogs.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Ofcom opens investigation into Meta over Instagram Instants risk checks
Ofcom has opened a formal investigation into Meta over Instagram’s Instants feature, the UK regulator said on Tuesday. It will check whether Meta broke the Online Safety Act by failing to assess the feature’s risks before launch. Meta launched Instants in May. The feature lets Instagram users share posts that vanish after they’re seen. Ofcom will […] This story continues at The Next Web
The British Media Regulator Ofcom initiated an audit against Meta because of the launch of Instagram Instants' disappearing photo exchange function without a prior risk assessment. The UK Supervisory Authority intends to determine whether the corporation violated its obligations under the local Internet security law when introducing new tools. The audit is related to the absence of an analysis of the risks of the proliferation of illegal content…
UK probes Meta over risk assessment of Instagram Instants
Britain's communications regulator said on Tuesday it has opened an investigation into whether Meta Platforms breached UK online safety laws by failing to properly assess risks posed by its Instagram Instants feature before launching it in May.
UK regulator probes Meta over child safety risks in Instagram's 'Instants' feature
UK's media regulator Ofcom has opened an investigation into Meta Platforms as it breached UK online safety laws by failing to properly assess risks posed by its Instagram Instants feature before...
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