The parent company that oversees Facebook and Instagram globally says both social media platforms may have to be shut down across Europe.
According to Meta, the European data regulations that prevent it from transferring, storing and processing EU citizens’ data on US systems may cause service issues.
It has now warned that if a new framework is not developed for European’s on the app, there will be a vast shutdown affecting millions of profiles.
A statement released by the company today, February 7, stated that: “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.”
Meta has said that it is hopeful it will be able to reach an agreement with EU authorities, however if they cannot it said: “We will likely be unable to offer a number of our most significant products and services, including Facebook and Instagram in Europe.”
Issues arose after the European Court of Justice put an end to the previously existing treaty that allowed for transatlantic data transfers.
It was annulled due to violations of existing data protection laws that were jeopardising European Citizens’ privacy.
Although no final decision has been made on the future of Facebook and Instagram in Ireland, EU and US officials are currently working on an updated version of the treaty.
The result of this will determine whether or not the mass shutdown occurs.
