Media watchdog launches probe on Instagram's deactivation of accounts in 2025
This undated file photo shows Instagram on a smartphone. Yonhap
Korea's media watchdog said Wednesday it has launched a probe into U.S. social media platform Instagram over allegations that the service disabled user accounts without justifiable reasons last year.
The Korea Media and Communications Commission (KMCC) said the investigation will examine whether Meta Platforms's Instagram violated the local telecommunications act and provided proper and timely support to affected users.
The move follows complaints that a number of Korean user accounts were permanently disabled in May and June last year, even though they were not related to Instagram's measures to protect juveniles from sexual content introduced under its strengthened teen protection guidelines, according to the KMCC.
The KMCC said it will impose fines and issue corrective orders if any violations are confirmed.