Security News > 2023 > July > Instagram's Twitter Alternative 'Threads' Launch Halted in Europe Over Privacy Concerns

Instagram Threads, the upcoming Twitter competitor from Meta, will not be launched in the European Union due to privacy concerns, according to Ireland's Data Protection Commission.

Threads is Meta's answer to Twitter that's set for launch on July 6, 2023.

It's billed as a "Text-based conversation app" that allows Instagram users to "Discuss everything from the topics you care about today to what'll be trending tomorrow."

A listing for the app has already appeared in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, although it's yet to be available for download. The "App Privacy" section on the App Store indicates that the application is expected to collect a wide range of user data, including Health and Fitness, Purchases, Financial Info, Location, Contact Info, Contacts, User Content, Search History, Browsing History, Identifiers, Usage Data, Sensitive Info, and Diagnostics.

It's believed that while the DPC has not actively blocked Threads from being launched, Meta is taking a cautious approach to bring the service to the region, which has stringent privacy protections.

It's worth noting that Google postponed the launch of its artificial intelligence chatbot Bard in the E.U. for similar reasons.

News URL

https://thehackernews.com/2023/07/instagrams-twitter-alternative-threads.html