Meta’s threat to close down Facebook and Instagram in Europe backfires as EU leaders

[elsiegee40]

https://www.cityam.com/metas-threat-to-close-down-facebook-and-instagram-in-europe-backfires-as-eu-leaders-embrace-shutdown-life-would-be-very-good-without/

 

European leaders have embraced Meta’s indirect warning to shut down its Facebook and Instagram operations across Europe if the social media giant is no longer able to process Europeans’ data on US servers.

 

Last night, Germany’s new economy minister Robert Habeck told reporters during a meeting in Paris: “After I was hacked I have lived without Facebook and Twitter for four years and life has been fantastic.

 

Speaking alongside his German colleague, French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire added: “I can confirm that life would be very good without Facebook and that we would live very well without Facebook.”

 

The two leaders commented on Meta’ statement that if it is not given the option to transfer, store and process data from its European users on US-based servers, Facebook and Instagram may be shut down across Europe.

 

The social media giants’ owner reportedly warned in its annual report that the key issue for Meta is transatlantic data transfers, regulated via the so-called Privacy Shield and other model agreements that Meta uses or used to store data from European users on American servers.

 

In a recent report to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Meta warned that if a data transfer framework is not adopted and the company is no longer allowed to use the current model agreements “or alternatives,” the company will “probably” no longer be able to offer many of its “most significant products and services,” including Facebook and Instagram, in the EU, according to various media reports.

 

Sharing data between countries and regions is crucial for the provision of its services and targeted advertising, Meta stressed. The current agreements to enable data transfers are currently under heavy scrutiny in the EU.

 

Therefore, it previously used the transatlantic data transfer framework called Privacy Shield as the legal basis to carry out those data transfers.

 

However, this treaty was annulled by the European Court of Justice in July 2020, because of data protection violations. Since then, the EU and the US did stress they are working on a new or updated version of the treaty.

 

When approached by City A.M., a spokesperson for Meta said: “We have absolutely no desire and no plans to withdraw from Europe, but the simple reality is that Meta, and many other businesses, organisations and services, rely on data transfers between the EU and the US in order to operate global services.”

 

“Like other companies, we have followed European rules and rely on Standard Contractual Clauses, and appropriate data safeguards, to operate a global service,” he added.

 

“Fundamentally, businesses need clear, global rules to protect transatlantic data flows over the long term, and like more than 70 other companies across a wide range of industries, we are closely monitoring the potential impact on our European operations as these developments progress,” he concluded.

[synaesthesia]

Here's hoping. Mental health would improve a LOT without Facebook.

[tg12]

Don't threaten me with a good time, Meta...

[hardtailstar]

Here's hoping. Mental health would improve a LOT without Facebook.

 

It would also decline a LOT without it too. A lot of people use Facebook as a life line to stay in contact with friends and families.

[synaesthesia]

It would also decline a LOT without it too. A lot of people use Facebook as a life line to stay in contact with friends and families.

 

There are countless alternatives which they would be forced to use as a result - net gain.

[Boredguy]

Can't see a problem with them shutting it down

[5tu]

Watched this last night - really interesting and includes insight from people who created Instagram before it got sold to FB....

 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m00149j7

[DeGrimmy]

That's hilarious - Good on the European leaders for standing their ground.

[Oaktech]

I can't see it happening, because, money.

[chazzy2501]

oh man, I'd love a country without polarizing platforms like facebook and twitter. (also somewhat youtube)

[MartinT]

Empty threats.

 

Watch Meta miraculously find a way to separate out the data between the US and Europe if they're pushed to the brink.

[jthompson]

As much as I'm not a fan of FB et al, I can imagine that plenty of European businesses rely on those platforms to generate their business. The political response, whilst amusing, is likely lacking any real substance.

 

Much like FB itself!

[Rob_D]

Didn't something similar happen with Australia, and FB pretty much got what they wanted by threatening to cut the country off (or possibly following through, can't remember the details).

[the_quick]

I hope they will stand their ground and call FB bluff

[the_quick]

I hope they will stand their ground and call FB's bluff

[Theblacksheep]

Never had facebook, never will. Would love the see the EU standup to them.

[Davit2005]

Use WhatsApp to talk to cousin in Ireland and another in the US as well as loads of friends here. Instagram cannot really be bothered with but Facebook itself as a social media platform, nah, nope, and no.

[slugshead]

This is amazing. I would love to see the end of Facebook.

[Rob_D]

This is amazing. I would love to see the end of Facebook.

Remember this doesn't include the UK.

 

Also, while I personally don't see the loss of FB as a great imposition, we saw what sort of disruption this could lead to in Aus when FB just cut off the news sites (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-australia-56099523). And if FB goes presumably they'll take Watsapp (and all the other bits they've bought over the years) with them which might be even more widely disruptive.

 

From a theoretical standpoint I'd love to see this play out to the point that Meta just don't operate in the EU just to see what that would look like and what sort of things would take over. But realistically I could see it being a nightmare for the average citizen who's photos/contacts etc are tied up in FB products.

[FN-GM]

I can't see it happening, because, money.

 

Facebook had a dispute with the Australian government and for around a week they blocked all news articles on Facebook in Australia. Then they backed down...

Edited February 8, 2022 by FN-GM

[MartinT]

Facebook gets a kicking from many people, mostly because of the narcissistic tendencies of a small group of tiresome wannabies.

 

However, it has useful groups and clubs which I would miss as that's how we organise events and meet-ups.

 

Instagram and Twitter? Those I will never use.

[enjay]

Maybe I'm missing something, but I don't get why it is up to the Government whether I can share my personal details with Facebook and have them processed overseas.

 

I doubt Meta are actually going to withdraw from EU, or even separate data farms. I think the point they're trying to make is "unless Governments sort themselves out, we'll have to do this terrible thing (and think of the social and economic consequences of that), so please pass a new law". It's blackmail to governments to replace the the Privacy Shield with something which allows international commerce.

[jthompson]

Maybe I'm missing something, but I don't get why it is up to the Government whether I can share my personal details with Facebook and have them processed overseas.

 

I doubt Meta are actually going to withdraw from EU, or even separate data farms. I think the point they're trying to make is "unless Governments sort themselves out, we'll have to do this terrible thing (and think of the social and economic consequences of that), so please pass a new law". It's blackmail to governments to replace the the Privacy Shield with something which allows international commerce.

 

If you were/are an EU citizen and didn't want a large firm like Facebook processing your data in another territory, then you'd probably need to have governments make that case on your behalf, as they're just about the only entity with enough bargaining power.

[MartinT]

On the other hand, if you're that concerned with the processing of your data there's always the personal choice NOT to use Facebook et al.

[Andrew_C]

On the other hand, if you're that concerned with the processing of your data there's always the personal choice NOT to use Facebook et al.

 

Sure - but Facebook today, your bank tomorrow, and the NHS the day after? We ALL need protection against rapacious business, even if we don't realize it.