Meta Challenges Ofcom at Upper Tribunal Over WhatsApp and Instagram Category 1 Status
Meta has filed an appeal with the Upper Tribunal disputing Ofcom's decision to designate WhatsApp and Instagram as Category 1 services under the UK Online Safety Act, arguing that the associated duties were not designed for private one-to-one and small-group messaging. Roblox and Quora are also challenging their own Category 1 designations, meaning Ofcom is defending multiple simultaneous appeals of its categorisation register. Separately, Meta is pursuing a High Court challenge over Ofcom's use of worldwide revenue when calculating fees and potential fines, with a substantive hearing scheduled for October 2026.