Meta · Instagram · AI Safety · BBC Technology
Ofcom investigates Meta over Instagram Instants capability
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◎ Multiple-sources
Ofcom is investigating whether Meta breached its duties under the UK's online safety laws with the launch of its "Instants" feature on Instagram.
Key facts
- But the regulator said the social media giant had not properly assessed risks posed by the feature before launching it
- something it is required to do under the UK's Online Safety Act (OSA)
- A Meta spokesperson said that it "takes its regulatory obligations under the Online Safety Act seriously
- Our online safety laws are clear, significant changes to platforms must be risk assessed before they're launched," said Ofcom enforcement director George Lusty
- What the Online Safety Act is
- and how to keep children safe online
Summary
The tool - allowing users to take and share an instant image with close friends, that disappears once viewed - was launched on Meta's photo-sharing app in May as "a new way to share photos in the moment". But the regulator said the social media giant had not properly assessed risks posed by the feature before launching it - something it is required to do under the UK's Online Safety Act (OSA). A Meta spokesperson said that it "takes its regulatory obligations under the Online Safety Act seriously". "We conducted a risk analysis and briefed Ofcom about this feature on several occasions before launching it," they said.