3 hrs ago
Ofcom Investigates Meta Over Instagram Instants Risk Assessment
Ofcom is the UK regulator that checks whether online companies follow safety rules.
It is investigating Meta over a feature on Instagram called Instants.
Posts shared with Instants disappear after someone views them.
Ofcom wants to know whether Meta checked for risks before launching the feature in May.
The regulator is especially looking at illegal content and possible risks to children.
Meta says it assessed the risks and told Ofcom about the feature before launch.
It also says Instants has several safety protections and that it will work with Ofcom.
The investigation has not established that Meta broke the law.
Ofcom opened a formal investigation into whether Meta properly assessed risks from Instagram Instants before its May launch.
The regulator is examining whether Meta sufficiently assessed risks involving illegal content and potential harm to children.
Meta says it conducted a risk analysis and briefed Ofcom before launch, and will cooperate with the investigation.
Meta says Instants blocks screenshots, reshares and forwarding, has no public feed, and automatically applies Teen Account protections.
Under the Online Safety Act, Ofcom can fine companies up to £18 million or 10% of qualifying worldwide revenue, whichever is greater.
- Who
- Ofcom is investigating Meta Platforms.
- What
- The investigation examines whether Meta adequately assessed risks from Instagram Instants before launch.
- Where
- The investigation concerns compliance with the UK's Online Safety Act.
- When
- Ofcom announced the investigation on Tuesday; Instants launched in May. The articles identify the announcement as October 6 but do not specify the year.
- Why
- Ofcom is checking whether Meta assessed risks of illegal content and risks to children before introducing the feature.
Ofcom's concerns
Meta's response
Pre-launch risk assessment
Ofcom's concerns
Ofcom is investigating whether Meta's assessment of illegal-content and child-safety risks was suitable and sufficient before launch.
Meta's response
Meta says it conducted a risk analysis and briefed Ofcom about Instants on several occasions before launch.
Safety measures
Ofcom's concerns
Ofcom says significant platform changes must be risk assessed before launch and safety should be built in.
Meta's response
Meta says Instants includes protections against screenshots, reshares and forwarding, has no public feed, and automatically applies Teen Account protections.
Key facts
- Feature
- Instagram Instants lets shared content disappear after it is viewed.
- Launch
- May; the articles do not specify the year.
- Regulator
- Ofcom, Britain's communications regulator.
- Investigation focus
- Whether Meta carried out a suitable and sufficient assessment of illegal-content risks and potential risks to children.
- Meta's response
- Meta says it conducted a risk analysis, briefed Ofcom before launch and will cooperate.
- Protections cited by Meta
- Blocking screenshots, reshares and forwarding; no public feed; Teen Account protections applied automatically.
- Maximum stated penalty
- Up to £18 million or 10% of qualifying worldwide revenue, whichever is greater.
Quotes
Meta spokesperson
A spokesperson for Meta Platforms
“Instants has in-built protections, including blocking screenshots, reshares and forwarding, no public feed, and Teen Account protections on automatically.”
livemint.com
“Our online safety laws are clear – significant changes to platforms must be risk assessed before they're launched.”
deccanchronicle.com
livemint.com
Sources
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