Meta's threads app excludes European Union launch over regulatory concerns

The app, considered the biggest challenge to Twitter since Elon Musk's takeover caused chaos on the platform, will be withheld in the EU's 27 countries as Meta seeks clarity on the bloc's Digital Markets Act (DMA), set to be fully enforced next year.

The DMA, a significant legislation in Europe, imposes stringent regulations on major internet companies. One of the provisions prohibits platforms from sharing data across different services and restricts companies from directing platform users to their own products, reported AFP.

In the United States, the description of Threads on app stores reveals that users' personal data, including contact and geolocation information, will be collected and used for advertising purposes.

Meta has previously faced scrutiny from EU regulators for its attempt to leverage data from WhatsApp to bolster Instagram and Facebook, an action forbidden by European regulators.

A spokesperson for Ireland's Data Protection Commission, responsible for overseeing Meta in Europe as the company's EU headquarters are located in Ireland, confirmed that Meta will not release the app in Europe "at this point."

When contacted by AFP, Meta did not provide immediate comment on the matter.

Meta, on Tuesday along with six other companies including Amazon and Apple, informed the EU that they meet the criteria to fall under the new rules when they come into effect next year.