Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ:META) is facing a U.K. investigation into whether Instagram’s new Instants feature received adequate safety checks before its launch.
The U.K.’s communications watchdog Ofcom is examining whether Meta breached Britain’s Online Safety Act by failing to properly assess risks connected to Instants, according to a press release.
Instagram Instants lets users send disappearing images that vanish after being viewed. The feature blocks forwarding and includes protections tied to Instagram’s teen-account settings.
The regulator is evaluating whether the feature could expose users to illegal content or allow children to access material that presents safety concerns. The investigation does not establish that Meta violated the law.
Ofcom can issue warnings or impose fines of up to 10% of a company’s global revenue in case of a security breach. The regulator is separately investigating Meta over an alleged failure to provide information involving WhatsApp.
The Mark Zuckerberg-led company told the Guardian that it conducted a risk assessment and consulted Ofcom before launching Instants, adding protections such as blocking forwarding and applying all standard teen-account safeguards for users under 18. Meta spokesperson said to the news outlet that the company will continue to cooperate with Ofcom during the investigation.
Meta did not immediately respond to Benzinga’s request for comments.
Meta Faces Growing Youth Safety Scrutiny
The investigation adds to Meta’s growing scrutiny over youth protection and privacy.
Earlier this month, New Mexico asked a judge to order Meta to pay between $35 billion and $40 billion after a jury found the company misled Facebook users about data privacy, access, and content policies.
In August, a nearly $18 billion settlement involving teen safety claims underscored the financial stakes surrounding how its platforms affect younger users. That agreement followed claims by state attorneys general that Meta’s applications harmed young users. The settlement’s terms were viewed as potentially more consequential for Instagram’s operating practices than its headline dollar amount.
Price Action: On a year-to-date basis, Meta stock surged 12.17%, as per Benzinga Pro. On Tuesday, the stock dipped about 0.17% to $740.60.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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