Ofcom

UK Regulator Ofcom Investigates Meta Over Instagram Instants Compliance With Online Safety Act

Britain's communications regulator Ofcom has opened an investigation into Meta to determine whether the company properly assessed risks before launching the Instagram Instants feature. The probe focuses on compliance with the Online Safety Act, specifically the potential for illegal content distribution and harms to minors. Instants, introduced in May 2026, allows users to exchange images that disappear after viewing. Under UK rules, platforms must update risk assessments before rolling out significant changes. Ofcom will first gather evidence and, if violations are found, issue a preliminary decision allowing Meta to respond. Penalties for non-compliance can reach 18 million pounds or 10 percent of global turnover, whichever is higher. Meta maintains it conducted risk analysis and implemented safeguards such as forwarding restrictions and teen account protections before launch.

Booking.com Security Overlooked Fake Downing Street Listing in Which? Fraud Test

Researchers from Which? successfully listed a fake apartment at 10 Downing Street on Booking.com to test the platform's fraud defenses. The listing included the exact address, photos of the UK Prime Minister's residence, and a description of a one-bedroom property near Parliament. Booking.com processed a payment for a week-long stay and failed to refund it even after more than six weeks. A fabricated positive review mentioning the official cat Larry was approved almost instantly. The platform also permitted a phishing link sent through its internal chat system asking for credit card details. The listing remained active from June 18 until its removal on August 27, prompting Which? to call for an Ofcom investigation into Booking.com's systemic security failures.