Ofcom investigates Meta for safety checks on Instagram feature
The Guardian · October 6, 2026Original source ↗
What happened
Ofcom is examining whether Meta, the parent company of Instagram, conducted sufficient risk assessments for its new Instagram Instants feature. The investigation focuses on potential violations of the Online Safety Act regarding the possibility of illegal content exposure and access by children.
Why it matters
This investigation highlights regulatory scrutiny of social media platforms and their compliance with digital safety laws.
How this story affects people
How does this story affect you if you are a parent of a child using Instagram?
This investigation could lead to stricter safety measures on the platform, potentially reducing your child's exposure to illegal content. If Meta is found to have violated safety regulations, it may implement changes that enhance the protection of young users.
How does this story affect you if you are a user of Instagram?
The scrutiny on Meta might result in changes to how Instagram operates, particularly regarding content moderation and safety features. This could affect your experience on the platform, especially if new restrictions are put in place to comply with regulations.
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