Meta Questions If Regs Could Shut Down Instagram, Facebook in Europe

Meta predicted, according to reports that Europe’s regulations on online data might prevent Meta from selling Instagram or Facebook.

Meta, the parent of Facebook stated that Meta could not offer services in Europe if there is regulation around data sharing. Mashable even reported that the company predicted that Instagram and Facebook would be shut down in Europe. Unless Meta reaches the new agreements it hopes for in the coming year, “we will likely be unable to offer a number of our most significant products and services, including Facebook and Instagram, in Europe.”

Mashable reported that European data regulations prevent Meta from “ingesting Europeans’ data” on American servers. “​If we are unable to transfer data between and among countries and regions in which we operate, or if we are restricted from sharing data among our products and services, it could affect our ability to provide our services, the manner in which we provide our services or our ability to target ads,” the Meta report stated.

Mashable explained that Meta’s data processing abilities are “crucial” both for ad targeting and business operations. European data privacy laws have restricted data to the jurisdiction of the European Union, meaning that previous systems of Meta’s have been “invalidated,” Mashable further clarified. Meta Vice President of Global Affairs Nick Clegg reportedly compared Meta’s operations to small businesses, saying they all struggle with the EU regulation. “We urge regulators to adopt a proportionate and pragmatic approach to minimize disruption to the many thousands of businesses who, like Facebook, have been relying on these mechanisms in good faith to transfer data in a safe and secure way,” Clegg reportedly said.

Although this may seem alarming for millions of European Facebook and Instagram users, regulators might be less worried. Facebook has found itself in hot water in the past year for alleged anti-competitive business practices, “toxic” content on Instagram, censorship and other issues. All over the world, lawmakers are determined to pass game-changing legislation by 2022.

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