Meta Adapts to EU Regulations: Allows Separate Access to Instagram, Facebook, and Messenger

In response to the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has announced changes that will allow users in the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland to access Instagram, Facebook, and Messenger separately. The move is aimed at complying with regulations and enhancing user privacy in these regions. Here are the key details of Meta’s adaptation:

Key Points

Data Sharing Prevention: Meta will enable users in the EU, EEA, and Switzerland to prevent the sharing of information across Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger. This means users can choose to use these platforms independently, even if their accounts are connected.

Unlinking Accounts: Users who have already linked their Facebook and Instagram accounts will have the option to unlink them. Unlinking accounts ensures that user information is no longer shared between the platforms, offering greater control over data privacy.

Separate Messenger Accounts: In addition to separate access to Facebook and Instagram, Meta will allow users to create a Messenger account that is not linked to their Facebook account. This move provides users with more autonomy over their messaging experience and allows for increased privacy.

Changes to Marketplace Messaging: Meta is changing how messaging works on its Marketplace platform. Users who unlink their accounts will see Messenger features for Marketplace replaced with an option to use email for communication between sellers and buyers.

Limitations on Unlinked Accounts: While users can operate separate accounts, certain features may be affected. For example, users who unlink their accounts from Facebook Gaming might lose access to multiplayer features and targeted recommendations.

Geographical Availability: These changes will specifically apply to users in the EU, EEA, and Switzerland. Meta may extend similar functionality to other regions if comparable legislation, similar to the DMA, is enacted.

Optional Ad-Free Subscription: Similar to the company’s ad-free subscription for Facebook and Instagram introduced two months ago, these changes are currently available only to users in the specified regions.

Meta’s move aligns with evolving privacy regulations, providing users in the EU, EEA, and Switzerland with more choices regarding data sharing and platform usage. The company may consider implementing similar changes in other regions if relevant legislation is introduced.