In a world that can’t live a single day without social media, Meta Platforms Inc. warns that it may leave European netizens without both Facebook and Instagram. The tech giant demands to keep having the possibility of transferring user data to the USA, according to Microsoft Start.
The European Court of Justice ruled as invalid the previous Privacy Shield agreement, which creates the situation of European regulators having to re-work regulation on how user data gets transferred from Europe to the US. Meta is strongly in favor of the scenario of having its user data being transferred from European users.
A spokesperson from the European Commission said as Microsoft Start quotes:
Only an arrangement that is fully compliant with the requirements set by the EU court can deliver the stability and legal certainty stakeholders expect on both sides of the Atlantic.
Patrick Van Eecke, who’s head of Cooley LLP, declared as quoted by the same source:
I am not surprised companies outside of Europe are reconsidering whether or not it makes sense to continue offering services to the European market as there are not many options left any longer.
Facebook remains the most popular social network in the world, with 2.89 billion users, according to Statista.com. Instagram, on the other hand, is not doing too bad as well, as it counts about one billion active users. However, Instagram is owned by Facebook.
Google Play summarizes it pretty well when it comes to Instagram:
Instagram (from Facebook) allows you to create and share your photos, stories, and videos with the friends and followers you care about. Connect with friends, share what you’re up to, or see what’s new from others all over the world. Explore our community where you can feel free to be yourself and share everything from your daily moments to life’s highlights.