Clash of giants: the Guarantor blocks Threads, the new Meta social network

They have defined "the anti Twitter", but at the moment Threads, the new Meta application, seems to have to wait for its debut. The launch of Threads, which promises to promote Twitter-like interaction among Instagram users by sharing photos and videos, has been slowed due to concerns over the use of personal data. The Data Protection Authority in Ireland (DPC), the country where Meta has its European headquarters, has raised several issues, delaying the launch of the App.

Understanding Threads, Meta's new social media initiative

Threads is a bold attempt to compete with Twitter by allowing Instagram users to share content like photos, videos, and thoughts with a small group of friends. Compared to Twitter, Threads differs in the greater openness of posts, without restrictions for both verified and unverified users. This would allow anyone to go "viral" with content deemed of interest by the community. The application includes a link to Instagram, which is the crux of the problem for the Irish authority.

The position of the Irish Data Protection Authority

The DPC expressed doubts on the lawfulness and transparency of the processing of personal data through the application, questioning the extent of data collection according to the stated purposes. At the heart of the objections are the various types of sensitive information collected, such as health, financial, search history, location and purchase data. Furthermore, Meta should have notified the DPC at least four weeks before the launch of the application, as required by European guidelines.

The broader context of the DPC investigation into Meta

The ongoing investigation into Threads is the latest in a series of inquiries that the DPC has conducted into Meta, covering several issues such as the transfer of personal data of European users to the United States, the security of personal data on WhatsApp and Instagram, and the use of facial recognition technology. In the past, Meta has already faced substantial fines and other legal proceedings from the DPC in relation to these matters. The current development of the situation with Threads remains to be seen, with the possibility that the dispute between Zuckerberg and Musk could slow down further.