Messenger and Instagram users in the EU lose access to some features
Facebook has disabled some of Messenger and Instagram’s features for EU users in an attempt to comply with new data use rules.
Messenger and Instagram users in the EU see a message indicating the unavailability of certain features. It’s about respecting the new rules for courier services in Europe. We are working to bring them back, the post read.
Facebook did not disclose all of the features that were temporarily disabled, but did confirm that features like polls are not available on Messenger and Instagram in Europe. Messenger has lost personalized replies, while stickers on Instagram are missing.
According to The Verge, the ability to send certain files has also been disabled for now. Other disabled features include the ability to share AR effects on Instagram DMs.
Facebook has not confirmed the resumption of the disabled feature. In a statement to the BBC, the company said: We are still in the process of determining the best way to bring these features back. It takes time to rebuild products in a way that works transparently for people and also complies with the new regulations.
It should be noted that Instagram and Messenger users in the EU can continue to use the main messaging and calling features.
According to the BBC report, the EU’s ePrivacy Directive contains nothing that could lead to the deactivation of features such as stickers or polls. He assumes the company may be playing it safe to avoid breaking local rules.
That said, EU online privacy rules aim to restrict what businesses can do with user messages and even metadata. The rules also prohibit interception or monitoring of messages and metadata without obtaining user consent. You can read the ePrivacy rules here.
