UK watchdog opens first Online Safety Act probe into Meta

Britain's Ofcom opened its first formal investigation into Meta under the Online Safety Act, examining whether the company properly risk-assessed its Instagram Instants feature before its May launch. Penalties can reach £18 million or 10% of qualifying worldwide revenue.

• Ofcom is probing Meta's risk assessment of Instagram Instants, launched in May
• Instants hides content after viewing; Meta cites screenshot blocking and Teen Account protections
• Penalties under the Online Safety Act reach £18 million or 10% of global revenue
• Meta is already challenging Ofcom in court over data scope and fees