Instagram Threads won’t launch in the EU over privacy concerns

Meta’s alternative to Twitter is Instagram Threads, only it’s not yet launching in the EU because of tougher data privacy standards.

Instagram Threads is launching on July 6th amidst the well-deserved backlash to Twitter’s temporary limit on how many tweets a user can read per day. The timing of its rollout is a clear attempt by Meta to be the popular alternative to Twitter, though Ireland’s Data Protection Commission (DPC) has been a roadblock to the app’s rollout in the EU so far.

Though the DPC has not actively blocked the launch of Instagram Threads, we understand that Meta has chosen to await further guidance, in part because of the Digital Markets Act. This legislature is expected to come into play in September and identifies Meta amongst other Tech giants that will face more restrictions on how they use users’ personal data.

While the intentions of Meta’s new app predictably seem pure enough, self-described as the place “where communities come together to discuss everything you’re interested in”, a closer inspection of the privacy policy reveals legitimate concerns.

According to Meta’s privacy policy, Instagram Threads will import sensitive data from Instagram, including behavioural and advertising information. So while some users might be excited to keep their Instagram username and transfer their followers over to their new account, it’s bad news for data security. The privacy policy also indicates Threads will collect a wide range of data including Health and Fitness, Purchases, Financial Info, Location, Contacts and Contact Info, User Content, Search History, Browing History, Identifiers, Usage Data, Sensitive Info and Diagnostics.

To put things into perspective, one of the best alternative sites like Twitter, Bluesky, only links Contact Info, Identifiers and User Content.

Is Instagram Threads coming to EU?

Though Instagram Threads is expected to rollout in over 100 counties, EU countries are not included for now. It’s understood that Meta is taking a cautious approach because of the EU’s Digital Market Act (DMA) and Data Protection Commission (DPC). As a gatekeeper under DMA, Meta has to ensure its complying with the rules around sharing data between apps.

Interestingly, a spokesperson for the DPC, as reported by Indepdent.ie said the service would not be rolled out in the EU “at this point”, suggesting we could see Instagram Threads come to the EU further down the line. It’s worth noting that Google similarly had to postpone its launch of Google Bard amidst privacy concerns from the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Will Threads ever come to EU?

Until Meta clears up its act around data sharing, the service won’t be rolled out in the EU in the foreseeable future. Since Meta’s record breaking £1bn fine over data sharing policies, it’s fair to expect Meta to tread carefully, or else come under fire for a similar breach of the EU’s GDPR policies. If you’re based in the EU and looking for a Twitter alternative, check out how to get a Bluesky invite code for free.

Is Threads app safe?

Unfortunately, Threads is not much different from other social media apps that harvest and sell user data. However, many including former Twitter CEO and BlueSky founder have pointed out in a Tweet the amount of data Threads collects compared to other social media apps. Then there’s the added concern that Threads is a centralized app that collects data across other Meta-owned apps including Whatsapp, Facebook and Instagram. Ultimately Threads is as safe as any other social application and should be used with a level of caution and understanding.