UK communications regulator Ofcom has opened a probe into Instagram's "Instants" feature over location-tracking concerns.

The investigation was launched on October 7. Regulators want to know how the feature collects and uses location data from users.

Instants is said to share users' real-time location with friends. Privacy advocates have raised concerns about the safety risks of such features, especially for young users.

Ofcom has wide powers to investigate digital platforms under UK online safety rules. The probe could lead to fines or orders to change the feature.

Meta has not yet commented publicly on the investigation. The company has faced similar scrutiny in Europe over data practices in the past.

Digital safety campaigners have long warned about location-sharing risks for teenagers. The investigation is at an early stage. The UK's online safety regime gives Ofcom broad powers to demand information from large platforms. Non-compliance can lead to heavy financial penalties.