Meta launches Threads in the EU

Threads had been delayed in EU as the company engaged with regulators

People in the EU can now create a profile on Threads linked to their Instagram account, or access Threads without an account to browse content on Threads. Photographer: Gabby Jones/Bloomberg
People in the EU can now create a profile on Threads linked to their Instagram account, or access Threads without an account to browse content on Threads. Photographer: Gabby Jones/Bloomberg

Meta has begun rolling out its Threads app to users in the European Union, almost six months after it launched worldwide.

The company has made a number of changes to the service since it was launched, including launching a website, threads.net, the ability to edit posts and create a “following” feed. Users can also search with keywords and use tags to follow topics.

However, some features are missing, including the ability to directly message other users and analytics that would help creators and brands to use the platform. Meta has yet to monetise the app.

The service was launched in more than 100 countries in early July, including the US and the UK. The EU launch of the platform was delayed as Meta engaged with regulators to ensure the service complied with local laws. The company said it believed the service complied with regulations here and said it would continue to engage with data protection authorities on an ongoing basis.

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The text-based platform was widely touted as a rival for X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. Initially, it signed up more than 100 million users in a matter of days, but usage has fallen off since.

People in the EU can now create a profile on Threads linked to their Instagram account, or access Threads without an account to browse content on Threads, search for accounts, share content via link copying and report Threads content.

Ciara O'Brien

Ciara O'Brien

Ciara O'Brien is an Irish Times business and technology journalist