Meta’s social media app, Threads, has made its long-awaited debut in the European Union, arriving five months after its global release.
The app, initially positioned as a competitor to Elon Musk’s X (formerly Twitter), hadn’t been available in the EU due to the region’s stringent data and tech regulations.
Mark Zuckerberg, Meta’s CEO, announced the EU launch via a post on Threads, extending a welcome to new users across Europe.
A Meta spokesperson highlighted substantial enhancements made to the platform since its launch, addressing initial concerns about lacking features like a website and search function.
The app’s initial buzz, attracting over 100 million users in its debut week, waned quickly. Zuckerberg mentioned a significant user drop just three weeks post-launch.
However, subsequent feature updates helped regain traction, although Threads still trails behind other Meta platforms like X, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook in user numbers.
While Meta hasn’t officially explained the delay in Threads’ EU release, it’s believed to be linked to the bloc’s stringent regulations, notably the Digital Services Act, which took effect in August.
This legislation aims to safeguard users on major social platforms, imposing responsibilities on tech companies regarding transparency and user protection.
Threads, known for seeking extensive device data access, including location, purchases, and browsing history, might have undergone changes to align with EU laws.
Meta’s introduction of subscription services across most of Europe, excluding the UK, aims to address EU concerns, offering ad-free experiences.
This move follows a hefty fine Meta faced earlier for violating EU data regulations related to advertising.
The subscription model, exclusive to the EU, European Economic Area, and Switzerland, reflects Meta’s effort to comply with EU rules and offer users an ad-free experience, aligning with the region’s regulatory expectations.
Source-BBC
