Social Media Platforms Facebook and Instagram Might Cease Operations in Europe

The company Meta is currently involved in an ongoing dispute with European data regulators regarding the management of user data from Facebook and Instagram. The main issue raised by data regulators is that given both platforms are US-based, the transfer of user data between countries might be seen as a breach of privacy.

Today, Meta has hinted that if there is no agreement reached, there is a possibility of Facebook and Instagram being halted in EU regions. The company stated, “If a new framework for data transfer across the Atlantic is not adopted and we can’t continue to depend on SCCs (standard contractual clauses) or other alternative methods of data transfer from Europe to the United States, we might not be able to provide some of our key products and services, which include Facebook and Instagram, in Europe.”

They further mentioned that such a cessation “would significantly and adversely impact our business, financial position, and operating results.”

Meta warns potential shutdown of Facebook and Instagram in Europe if data deal is not reached. pic.twitter.com/ALAI0PAmmJ

— New York Post (@nypost) February 7, 2022

Responding to Meta’s announcement, European parliamentarian Axel Voss expressed on Twitter that “Meta cannot coerce the EU into compromising its data protection standards,” indicating that “their departure from the EU would be to their own detriment.”

Yesterday, a spokesperson from Meta, speaking to CNBC, emphasized that the company does not wish to sever its relationships in Europe, stating, “However, the truth remains that Meta, along with various other enterprises, institutions, and services, rely on data transfers between the EU and the U.S. for the operation of global services.”