UK communications regulator Ofcom has opened an investigation into Meta over whether it properly assessed the safety risks of its new Instagram Instants feature before launching it.

Instagram Instants was introduced in May 2026 and allows users to share photos and videos that disappear after being viewed. Ofcom is examining whether Meta completed the required illegal-content and children’s risk assessments before the feature was launched.

Under the Online Safety Act, technology companies must assess potential risks when making significant changes to the design or operation of their online services. Ofcom says these assessments are an important part of building safety into digital products before they are released.

Ofcom stressed that opening the investigation does not mean Meta has breached the law. The regulator will first gather and analyse evidence before deciding whether any compliance failure occurred.

Meta said it takes its obligations under the Online Safety Act seriously and had carried out a risk analysis before launching Instants. The company also said the feature includes protections such as restrictions on screenshots and automatic Teen Account safeguards.

If Ofcom ultimately finds a breach, it can require Meta to take corrective action and impose a fine of up to £18 million or 10% of qualifying worldwide revenue, whichever is greater.

The case represents another significant test of the UK's expanding online safety regulatory framework as major technology platforms introduce new features.