Ofcom investigates Meta and challenges tech giants over UK safety data

The UK communications regulator, Ofcom, has launched formal investigations and legal battles involving major tech companies Meta, TikTok, and X regarding compliance with the 2023 Online Safety Act.

One investigation focuses on Meta’s Instagram ‘Instants’ feature, which allows users to share disappearing photos and videos. Ofcom is examining whether Meta conducted ‘suitable and sufficient’ risk assessments regarding illegal content and potential dangers to children before the feature's launch in May. Meta has defended the feature, stating it conducted risk analyses and implemented protections such as blocking screenshots and automatic Teen Account settings.

Simultaneously, Meta, TikTok, and X are challenging Ofcom in court over data demands issued in February. The regulator requested granular content moderation metrics, including the number of posts removed or restricted and the number of users exposed to harmful content. The tech companies argue these requests impose an ‘unprecedented regulatory burden.’ X described the demand as ‘the most burdensome information request X has received from any regulator in any jurisdiction.’

Ofcom maintains the data is essential to evaluate the effectiveness of the new safety regime. Under the Online Safety Act, serious breaches can result in fines of up to 10% of a company’s global annual turnover.