Technology

Meta challenges UK media regulator Over Online Safety Act

The Guardian · September 20, 2026Original source ↗

Meta challenges UK media regulator Over Online Safety Act

What happened

Meta has initiated a legal challenge against Ofcom regarding the classification of WhatsApp and Instagram, which require them to meet additional responsibilities under the Online Safety Act. This move is part of a broader trend among social media companies to use legal action to contest regulatory requirements.

Why it matters

This story highlights ongoing tensions between social media companies and regulatory bodies over user safety and compliance.

How this story affects people

How does this story affect you if you use WhatsApp or Instagram?

This legal challenge could impact the level of safety measures and content moderation you experience on these platforms. If Meta succeeds, it might delay the implementation of regulations designed to protect users from harmful content.

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