Unavailability of Meta’s Threads in the EU due to legal intricacies

Meta’s launch of its Twitter competitor, Threads, has gained attention in the U.S., but consumers in the European Union are unable to join the platform at this time.

This is due to the fact that the initial launch of Threads in over 100 countries did not include EU member states. Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri explained to The Verge that this decision was made due to “complexities with complying with some of the laws coming into effect next year.”

Mosseri’s comment suggests that the Digital Markets Act (DMA) may be a factor in the platform’s absence from the EU. Although he did not explicitly mention the DMA, he acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding it.

Mosseri expressed the company’s commitment to launching a platform that is both compliant with regulations and able to withstand scrutiny. He emphasized the need for thorough documentation and internal testing.

The DMA sets forth competition rules for major digital gatekeepers, including Meta. These rules require gatekeepers to avoid favoring their own services and ensure compatibility with competitors’ messaging platforms.

Meta’s decision to delay the platform’s launch in the EU exemplifies the challenges posed by new regulations and their impact on product launches. The company has not yet provided a comment on the matter.

Many tech companies, including Apple, have voiced concerns over the DMA, claiming that it unfairly targets U.S. firms and hinders innovation. However, European policymakers believe that these new rules are necessary to foster a thriving digital marketplace for smaller players.

WATCH: Higgins discusses the potential impact of Threads on the community dynamic established by Twitter around cultural events.