Ofcom investigates Meta over Instagram Instants safety checks

Ofcom Investigation into Meta

The UK communications regulator, Ofcom, has launched a formal investigation into Meta over its Instagram Instants feature. The regulator is examining whether Meta conducted a suitable and sufficient risk assessment before introducing the feature in May 2026. The investigation will focus on risks linked to illegal content and potential harm to children, as required by the UK's Online Safety Act.

Instagram Instants Feature

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. However, Ofcom is examining whether Meta sufficiently considered how the feature could be used to facilitate illegal activity or expose children to harmful experiences.

Online Safety Act Requirements

The Online Safety Act requires regulated user-to-user platforms to conduct a suitable and sufficient illegal-content risk assessment. Companies must also carry out another assessment before making a significant change to a service's design or operation. Ofcom's guidance states that risk assessments should reflect the characteristics of a service, its users, and the potential risks associated with illegal content. Platforms must keep these assessments updated as their services evolve.

Potential Consequences

If the investigation finds that Meta did break the law, the regulator can require the firm to take specific steps to come into compliance and to remedy harm caused by the breach. It can also impose fines of up to £18m or 10% of qualifying worldwide revenue, whichever is greater.

Meta's Response

A Meta spokesperson said that the company "takes its regulatory obligations under the Online Safety Act seriously". "We conducted a risk analysis and briefed Ofcom about this feature on a number of occasions before launching it," they said. "We will of course co-operate with Ofcom during this investigation." Meta has also stated that the feature has built-in protections, including preventing screenshots, reshares, or forwarding of Instants, and that it has Teen Account protections in place.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Instagram Instants feature?

Instagram Instants allows users to share photos that disappear after they are viewed.

What is the Online Safety Act?

The Online Safety Act requires regulated user-to-user platforms to conduct a suitable and sufficient illegal-content risk assessment and children's risk assessment.

What are the potential consequences for Meta if it is found to have broken the law?

If the investigation finds that Meta did break the law, the regulator can require the firm to take specific steps to come into compliance and to remedy harm caused by the breach, and can also impose fines of up to £18m or 10% of qualifying worldwide revenue, whichever is greater.

The investigation into Meta's Instagram Instants feature is ongoing, and the outcome is uncertain. However, according to George Lusty, Director of Enforcement at Ofcom, "safety by design must be built in, not bolted on, and today's investigation shows we'll take action where we have concerns that providers are failing to comply".