Instagram recently launched its Twitter competitor, Threads, which quickly gained over 100 million users in just over five days. Surprisingly, this number was achieved without the availability of the app in the European market. However, individuals in the region were determined to try the new platform and resorted to using VPNs to access it. Unfortunately, Meta, the parent company of Instagram, is now blocking this workaround.
According to industry expert commentator Matt Navarra, Meta stated in a tweet, “Threads is currently unavailable in most European countries, and we have taken further measures to prevent people from those countries accessing Threads. Europe continues to be a very important market for Meta, and we hope to be able to bring Threads to more countries in the future.”
The reason behind Threads’ unavailability in Europe, according to Meta spokesperson Christine Pai, is “upcoming regulatory uncertainty.” The European Union has introduced new regulatory guidelines under its Digital Markets Act, which impose strict rules on data handling for tech companies like Meta. This means that Meta cannot mix the data it collects from various apps such as Instagram, Facebook, and Threads.
Instagram’s head, Adam Mosseri, explained in a podcast with The New York Times that the challenge goes beyond disclosures and consent. Meta must put in place processes and technologies to ensure there is no data leakage and to verify the accuracy of any claims made regarding data privacy.
Threads has faced controversy due to its extensive data collection practices, with the app collecting 14 sets of user data, including health and fitness, financial information, purchases, location, contacts, and sensitive information. Meta has a track record of poor user privacy, which has further fueled concerns.
In a Twitter exchange, Twitter co-founder and former CEO Jack Dorsey tweeted, “All your Threads belong to us,” to which Elon Musk replied, “Yeah.” This exchange highlights the concerns surrounding user data and privacy in relation to Meta’s platforms.
Furthermore, Meta falls under the criteria of a “gatekeeper,” subjecting it to stricter rules.
Overall, Meta’s decision to block access to Threads in Europe stems from regulatory uncertainties and the European Union’s strict data rules. Despite its popularity, Threads’ entry into the European market is currently on hold, but Meta aims to expand the platform to more countries in the future.
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Alex Smith is a writer and editor with over 10 years of experience. He has written extensively on a variety of topics, including technology, business, and personal finance. His work has been published in a number of magazines and newspapers, and he is also the author of two books. Alex is passionate about helping people learn and grow, and he believes that writing is a powerful tool for communication and understanding.
