Ofcom is investigating whether Meta checked Instagram Instants for risks to children
Instants lets users send photos and videos that vanish once seen and cannot be screenshotted. The question is whether Meta assessed the risks before launching it in May.
On 6 October 2026 Ofcom opened a formal investigation into whether Meta broke the Online Safety Act by launching Instants on Instagram without first carrying out suitable illegal content and children's risk assessments. The duties are in sections 9(4) and 11(4) of the Act.
Instants launched on 13 May 2026 and sits inside Instagram Direct. According to Ofcom's case page, a user adds a caption, takes a photo or video within the app, and it is sent automatically to their friends and followers. The content is ephemeral and cannot be captured by screenshots.
The law requires a fresh risk assessment before any significant change to a service. A platform likely to be used by children must assess the risk of under-18s seeing certain harmful material, as well as the risk of illegal content. In March, Ofcom told Instagram and five other major platforms that it expected them to assess the risk of significant updates before deploying them, and that it was ready to take enforcement action.
Ofcom has reached no conclusion yet. It will gather evidence and, if it finds a breach, issue a provisional decision that Meta can answer before a final one. In its announcement, George Lusty, Ofcom's Director of Enforcement, said safety “must be built in, not bolted on”. Fines for breaching these duties can reach £18 million or 10% of qualifying worldwide revenue, whichever is greater.
This is a case under the duties that apply today, separate from the under-16 ban due in 2027. Our ban hub covers what changes then, and Ofcom is separately investigating TikTok's age checks.
Ofcom has made no finding against Meta. If your child uses Instagram, it is worth knowing the feature exists: photos and videos sent through Instants disappear once viewed and cannot be screenshotted, so it is worth a conversation with them about what they send and receive there.