The UK media regulator has opened an investigation into Meta’s implimentation of its new Instagram Instants.

Ofcom is investigating if Meta properly assessed the risks posed by the new feature prior to its launch, as required by the Online Safety Act.

Risk assessments are paramount to the Act’s implimentation and are required to be carried out by firms prior to the introduction of new products or services, especially those that may be used by children and young people.

Firms must also assess and mitigate the risk of people in the UK encountering illegal content – their risk assessments must be updated before making any significant changes to their services.

Ofcom’s investigation centres around Instagram Instants, where content is shared by users and then disappears after it has been viewed.

“Our online safety laws are clear – significant changes to platforms must be risk assessed before they’re launched,” George Lusty, director of enforcement at Ofcom, said.

Recommended

• Do Age Checks Protect Children, or Put Everyone at Risk?
• Online Safety Act Powers “Exhausted” As Ofcom Restricts Online Suicide Forum
• Ofcom: “Job Not Done” When It Comes to Online Age Checks
• Can Age Checks Really Keep Kids Safe Online?
• VPN Sign-ups Surge As Ofcom Age Checks Come Into Effect

“This is a vital step that tech firms must take to protect their users. You wouldn’t launch a new car without testing it properly, and it’s the same for online services.

“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.”

If Ofcom 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.