UK Watchdog Checks if Vanishing Instagram Photos Put Kids at Risk

Britain’s online safety watchdog, Ofcom, said on 6 October 2026 it is investigating Meta over Instagram Instants, where photos vanish after viewing, like a self-erasing note, for possibly breaking UK safety law. It will check if Meta studied risks of harmful posts and children using it before launch, as required for big changes. Meta says it did and will help.