Meta’s social media app Threads has finally made its way to the European Union (EU) after a five-month delay. The platform, introduced as a competitor to Elon Musk’s X (previously known as Twitter), initially gained 100 million users within its first week of release. However, interest waned due to the absence of essential features like a website and search function.
Threads has undergone significant improvements since its initial launch, and EU users can now create a profile linked to their Instagram account or use Threads without a profile altogether. Despite its efforts, the app still lags behind X and other popular platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook in terms of user base.
While the specific reason for the delay in Threads’ EU launch has not been officially disclosed by Meta, it is widely believed to be a result of the EU’s stringent regulations surrounding data and big tech companies. The EU’s Digital Services Act, which was implemented in August, places additional responsibilities on large social platforms and aims to protect users while introducing transparency in algorithms.
One major concern regarding Threads is its data collection practices. The app gathers various types of data from users’ devices, including location data, purchase history, and browsing habits. It remains unclear whether Threads has made significant changes to comply with EU laws in this regard.
Meta’s recent announcement of subscription services in October aimed at removing ads from its platforms can be seen as a step towards addressing EU concerns. This move came shortly after the company was fined a hefty €390 million for violating EU data rules.
With the launch of Threads in the EU, users in the region will be eager to see if the app can regain its lost momentum and truly rival popular social media platforms in the long run. Only time will tell if Threads can shake off its early setbacks and establish a strong foothold in the European market.
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