Ofcom investigates Meta over Instagram's disappearing content feature
Ofcom is investigating whether Meta properly checked the risks to Instagram users, including children, before it launched Instants, a feature where shared photos and videos disappear once viewed.
Ofcom, the online safety regulator, said on 6 October 2026 that it is investigating whether Meta properly checked the risks of Instants, a new Instagram feature, before launching it.
Meta launched Instants on 13 May 2026. It lets Instagram users send photos and videos taken in the app as direct messages, which disappear once they have been viewed.
Ofcom is looking at 2 checks that platforms must carry out by law: one on the risk of users coming across illegal content, and one on the risks to children. Ofcom has said that opening an investigation does not mean it has decided that Meta broke the law.
George Lusty, Director of Enforcement at Ofcom, said:
Our online safety laws are clear - significant changes to platforms must be risk assessed before they're launched. This is a vital step that tech firms must take to protect their users. You wouldn't launch a new car without testing it properly, and it's the same for online services. Safety by design must be built in, not bolted on, and today's investigation shows we'll take action where we have concerns that providers are failing to comply.
What it means for consumers
Under the Online Safety Act, platforms such as Instagram must already check the risk of users coming across illegal content before making a significant change, and must check the risks to children where children are likely to use the service. Platforms must also make it easy for users to report illegal content and to complain. Our guide explains how to report content to a social media platform and what to do if it does nothing.
What the companies say
In a statement reported by Courthouse News, Meta said it had carried out a risk analysis and briefed Ofcom about Instants several times before launch, and that it would cooperate with the investigation. Meta also said that people cannot screenshot or forward photos and videos sent with Instants, and that Instagram's extra protections for users under 18 apply to the feature.
What happens next
Ofcom will now gather evidence. If it provisionally decides that Meta has broken the law, Meta will be able to respond before Ofcom makes a final decision. If Ofcom decides there has been a breach, it can order Meta to put things right and fine it up to £18 million or 10% of its qualifying worldwide revenue, whichever is greater.