Key Takeaways:
- The Meta UK investigation examines whether Meta completed required risk checks before launching Instants.
- Ofcom is looking into possible breaches of the UK Online Safety Act.
- Meta could face fines of up to 10% of its qualifying worldwide revenue if it is found to have broken the law.
British communications regulator Ofcom launched a formal investigation into Meta on Tuesday. The regulator wants to determine whether the company broke UK online safety laws by failing to carry out adequate risk assessments before launching Instagram Instants.
Ofcom Opens Investigation Into Meta Over Safety Rules
Britain’s communications regulator Ofcom opened a formal Meta UK investigation into Meta Platforms on Tuesday. The agency is examining whether the company broke the UK Online Safety Act by failing to complete the required risk checks before launching a new Instagram feature.
The investigation focuses on Instagram Instants. Under UK rules, tech companies must assess the risks of major changes to their platforms before launching them. These checks are meant to identify risks linked to illegal content and the safety of children.
Ofcom enforcement director George Lusty said the UK’s online safety laws require significant platform changes to be assessed before they are launched. This is the first formal investigation Ofcom has opened into Meta under the Online Safety Act. Investigators will now gather and review evidence to determine whether Meta followed the rules.
Instagram Instants Lets Users Share Disappearing Content
Meta introduced Instants on May 13. The feature allows Instagram users to capture and share photos or videos that disappear after they are viewed.
The Meta UK investigation is examining whether Meta completed the required risk assessment before introducing the feature. Under the Online Safety Act, companies must carry out additional checks before making significant changes to their services.
The regulator said launching major features without proper risk checks can create safety concerns. It is also looking at how disappearing content could affect user safety, and the steps platforms take to prevent illegal material.
Meta Defends Its Actions And Will Cooperate
A Meta spokesperson said the company did complete a risk assessment and discussed the feature with Ofcom several times before its launch. The company also said it would cooperate fully with the investigation.
Meta pointed to several safety measures built into Instants. The feature blocks screenshots, resharing, and forwarding and does not include a public feed. Teen Account protections are also turned on by default.
The Meta UK investigation does not mean Ofcom has decided that Meta broke the law. However, if the regulator finds a violation, it can impose fines of up to £18 million or 10% of qualifying worldwide revenue, whichever is higher. Ofcom can also require Meta to comply with the law and address any harm caused.
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