Meta’s text-based social platform Threads, introduced in July, is poised for expansion into the European Union (EU) as early as next month, according to a Wall Street Journal report.
To align with EU regulations, Meta is considering a ‘view-only’ mode for EU users, allowing them to browse content without needing to create a profile, although profile creation may be necessary for posting.
Recently, Meta introduced an option allowing users to delete their Threads profile while retaining their Instagram profile. It raises curiosity about how Meta will tailor its algorithmic feed for users without a profile and whether these users can follow other profiles.
Currently, Threads is ad-free, but its privacy labels on iOS suggest extensive data collection, using Instagram for login. This approach is subject to the EU’s Digital Services Act and Digital Markets Act, which mandate explicit user consent for data collection for personalized advertising.
In response to these regulations, Meta offers a paid subscription in the EU for ad-free use of Facebook and Instagram. Additionally, following Threads’ launch, Meta implemented measures to block EU users from accessing the network via VPN.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, during the Q3 earnings call, revealed that Threads has fewer than 100 million monthly active users.
He expressed confidence in the platform’s potential to reach a billion users in a few years, anticipating that its EU debut could significantly boost its user base and engagement.
