Ofcom Launches Investigation into Meta for Instagram Safety Compliance
What happened
On 6 October 2026, Ofcom launched a formal investigation into Meta for potential non-compliance with child safety duties related to Instagram's Instants feature.
The Context
- Regulatory focus: The UK's Online Safety Act 2023 mandates platforms to assess risks of illegal content and child safety before launching significant features.
- Meta's position: Meta claims it conducted risk assessments and implemented safety features like screenshot blocking prior to the Instants launch in May 2026.
- Potential consequences: If found non-compliant, Meta could face fines up to 10% of its global revenue, which could exceed £18 million.
The Number
— This is the maximum fine Meta could incur based on its qualifying worldwide revenue, which was over $200 billion in 2025.
Takeaway
As regulatory frameworks tighten, expect increased scrutiny on social media platforms, influencing how they operate and engage with users.
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