Ofcom investigates Meta over Instagram Instants feature

Ofcom is investigating whether Meta breached its duties under the UK's online safety laws with the launch of its "Instants" feature on Instagram.

The tool - allowing users to take and share an instant image with close friends, that disappears once viewed - was launched on Meta's photo-sharing app in May as "a new way to share photos in the moment".

But the regulator said the social media giant had not properly assessed risks posed by the feature prior to launching it - something it is required to do under the UK's Online Safety Act (OSA).

A Meta spokesperson said in a statement that it "takes its regulatory obligations under the Online Safety Act seriously".