Meta Plans EU Launch of Threads Next Month

Meta’s text-based social network Threads, launched in July, has added numerous features since its inception. However, its absence in the EU has been a notable gap. The Wall Street Journal suggests that the company might fill this void by launching the platform in the EU next month.

The report suggests that Meta may introduce a view-only mode for its app in the EU to align with regulations. In this mode, users can view posts without creating a profile, but posting may require profile creation. Moreover, Meta recently introduced a feature allowing users to delete their Threads profile while keeping their Instagram profile intact.

Meta’s approach to crafting an algorithmic feed for users without profiles raises intriguing questions. Additionally, it remains uncertain if users will have the ability to follow other profiles. Meta has not provided immediate comments on this development.

Although Threads currently lacks ads, scrutiny of its privacy labels on iOS reveals extensive data collection practices, with Instagram serving as the login mechanism. Compliance with EU regulations, including the Digital Services Act and Digital Markets Act, mandates explicit user consent for personalized ad data collection.

In compliance with these regulations, Meta offers a paid subscription to Facebook and Instagram for EU users, granting an ad-free experience on these platforms.