Meta Finally Launches ‘Threads’ in Europe

Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has officially launched its social network called "Threads" in the European Union. 

Threads is a direct competitor to the platform X (formerly known as Twitter) and was not available in EU countries until now. 

However, it has been adapted to comply with the continent's regulations.

Meta initially introduced Threads globally in July but chose to delay its launch in the European Union to allow time for a thorough examination of the implications of European rules. 

Threads is a platform for short-form blogging similar to X, with similar features. Meta openly aims to compete with the network owned by Elon Musk. 

Threads quickly attracted tens of millions of subscribers worldwide this summer, but Meta took its time to assess the consequences of the European Digital Markets Act (DMA), which tightens competition protection rules.

To comply with European rules, the company introduced an additional option for users from the European Union and the European Economic Area. Users can now use Threads even without an Instagram account, but with reduced functionality.

Like in the rest of the world, only Instagram users (totaling two billion) can create a Threads account, linking the two profiles together. 

Meta noted that citizens of the European Economic Area (27 EU countries plus Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein) will have the choice to create a Threads account linked to their Instagram account, allowing them to enjoy the same experience as other global citizens or use Threads without a profile" but without the ability to interact with content.

Users without a profile can still browse Threads content, search for accounts, share content through links or the basic sharing system, and report Threads content.