Meta’s Twitter rival app Threads has failed to launch in Europe. The platform, which received more than 100 million registrations in its first week, cannot be used in the region due to a number of European Union laws. European users were then able to access Threads using a VPN. However, Meta blocked VPN connections.
VPN block on Meta’s Threads app
Meta has confirmed that it has blocked EU users from accessing Threads via VPN. The decision was taken after some users accessed Threads using a VPN. The company confirmed that it is taking “further action” to block access to Threads.
In a statement, Meta pointed out that Europe is a very important market for Meta. It also said it hoped to make Threads available in EU countries in the future.
Meta's Threads has released its first update, adding support for iOS 17. This update also addresses a bug that caused crashes.
The blocking of VPN access in the EU is likely due to data protection laws. The EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) aims to give individuals more control over their personal data. It requires companies to be transparent about how they collect and use data.
The data collected by Threads, on the other hand, is alarming. The app collects a wide range of personal data, from your purchase history and physical address to your browsing history and health information.
EU users accessing Threads via a VPN could get Meta in trouble. As the social media giant doesn’t want to fall foul of GDPR, it’s likely to continue blocking VPNs until the official launch. However, Meta has stressed that it expects to lift the VPN ban in the future.
