Threads’ parent company blocks access for users within the EU who frequently use a VPN to download and register the app.

When starting Threads, Meta ignored the EU due to data protection regulations, but European prospects found ways to download the app and register. A VPN was often used for this. Meta now wants to limit that, the company explains to TechCrunch.

Secret Users

Launched last week, Threads proved an instant success, surpassing one hundred million users in an impressive five-day span. However, these early adopters also include a number of users from the European Union, which is not intended. The stricter rules on (online) data protection are preventing Meta from rolling out threads in the EU for the time being.

European Apple users could create an account for the American App Store and for Android it was a matter of finding the APK file. Something that turned out not to be very difficult. In many cases a VPN was used.

Fast effect

However, reports have surfaced in recent days from European users who have noticed Threads working significantly less, including Social media guru Matt Navara. This means that Meta has in fact already taken steps to restrict European traffic via VPNs as much as possible.

In the meantime reported data company Sensor Towers is already seeing falling numbers for threads; So obviously, Meta’s actions have been in place for some time, even though Threads is only just active. Meta lives at odds with Europe at times and obviously doesn’t want any additional fuss, especially when it comes to privacy. Therefore, it is not surprising that the company is now reacting quickly.

It is slightly ironic that both the comments about Threads’ hiccups in Europe and the declining usage figures have only just appeared on Twitter. Finally, Threads was launched as a direct competitor to Elon Musk’s platform. It’s another fight in the ongoing battle between South African tech billionaire and meta boss Mark Zuckerberg. If this cage fight ever actually happens, at least both of them will have plenty of verbal ammunition to challenge each other.