Meta, the parent company of Facebook, is set to launch its new Threads app on Thursday, but it will not be available in the European Union due to regulatory issues, according to a source familiar with the matter.
The Threads app is anticipated to pose a significant challenge to Twitter, especially following the platform’s tumultuous period since Elon Musk’s acquisition, which has drawn criticism from both users and public figures.
A Meta insider revealed on Wednesday that the decision to withhold the app from the EU’s 27 member states stems from the company’s need for more clarity regarding the bloc’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which is scheduled to be fully implemented next year.
The DMA represents a comprehensive set of regulations aimed at governing the largest tech firms operating in Europe.
Among the key stipulations of the DMA is a prohibition against the sharing of user data across different services. Additionally, companies are restricted from steering users towards their own products within their platforms.
According to the description of Threads listed in U.S. app stores, there are indications that personal data, including contact information and geolocation, will be collected and leveraged for advertising purposes.
Meta has previously faced scrutiny for its data practices in the EU, particularly in relation to attempts to use WhatsApp data to bolster its Instagram and Facebook platforms—endeavors that were prohibited by European regulators.
A spokesperson for Ireland’s Data Protection Commission confirmed to the Irish Independent that Meta has stated it will not launch the app in Europe “at this point.” Ireland acts as the EU headquarters for Meta, and the national authority is responsible for overseeing the company’s compliance with European regulations.
Meta has yet to respond to inquiries from AFP regarding the situation.
On Tuesday, Meta was identified as one of seven companies, including other tech giants like Amazon and Apple, that notified the EU of their compliance with the thresholds established under the upcoming regulations.
