Meta faces UK probe over Instagram Instants safety assessment
Kira-Yan/iStock Editorial via Getty Images
Britain’s communications regulator Ofcom has opened an investigation into whether Meta Platforms (META) breached UK online safety laws by failing to carry out adequate risk assessments before launching its Instagram Instants feature in May.
The investigation will examine whether Meta (META) conducted suitable and sufficient assessments of the risks of illegal content and potential risks to children before the feature was introduced, Ofcom said on Tuesday.
Instants, launched on May 13, allows Instagram users to share photos and videos captured within the app, with the content disappearing after it is viewed. Ofcom said providers must conduct further risk assessments before making significant changes to a service’s design or operation.
The regulator said the investigation does not mean Meta (META) breached the law. If a violation is established, Ofcom can impose a fine of up to £18M or 10% of qualifying worldwide revenue, whichever is greater.
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