Meta Blocks EU-based Users Access to Instagram's Threads App via VPN

Audrey Hansen

2023-07-17

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In a recent development surrounding Meta's privacy policies, the company has confirmed its steps to block the attempts of EU-based users to access Instagram's Threads app via a virtual private network (VPN). The blocking move comes in response to numerous user complaints who have been unable to use this social networking app. There has been a rising concern in terms of privacy issues associated with Threads, which led to its unavailability across the European Union.

The company, previously known as Facebook Inc., launched Threads last week amidst global attention to its privacy regulations. As an apparent measure towards addressing privacy-related concerns surrounding the app, Meta stated that it has implemented additional measures. These steps are intended to prevent users from accessing this recently launched social application, framed as continuations of Meta’s ongoing endeavors towards data protection.

In-depth scrutiny of the app’s protocols reveals extensive tracking of users – a bone of contention triggering legal and regulatory issues. According to both; Meta’s official privacy policy and the app’s listing details on iOS - Threads is designed for generous data collection: ranging from generic personal details to particularly sensitive information spheres such as health and financial data.

Not just that, using precise location tracking capabilities, browsing history documentation along with user contacts, and search history archiving adds another layer of potential intrusion into user privacy. Considering these broad-based collection dynamics, it is evident why contentious debates surround the introduction and use of this new feature within EU jurisdictions.

In conclusion, while these measures can be seen as Meta's attempts at balancing service provision with privacy concerns, it also reflects how rapidly evolving digital technologies continues posing newer challenges for global regulatory compliance within digital platforms – bringing tech companies under rigorous scrutiny within governing bodies jurisdiction parameters around worldwide locations like the European Union.

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