London:Britain's communications regulator Ofcom has initiated an investigation into whether Meta violated online safety regulations with the introduction of Instagram's Instants feature, which allows users to share disappearing photos and videos.

According to Anadolu Agency, this probe will assess if Meta conducted the necessary evaluations of potential illegal content and child safety risks before launching the feature in May, as mandated by the UK's Online Safety Act.

George Lusty, Ofcom's enforcement director, emphasized the clarity of the online safety laws, stating that significant platform changes require risk assessments prior to their introduction.

Meta has responded by affirming that it undertook a risk analysis and informed Ofcom multiple times in advance of the feature's rollout. The company has expressed its intention to cooperate fully with the investigation.

Currently, the investigation does not imply any conclusive findings of wrongdoing by Meta. Should a breach be confirmed, Ofcom has the authority to impose fines up to £18 million ($24.2 million) or 10% of the company's qualifying global revenue.