In anticipation of the upcoming Digital Markets Act (DMA) taking effect in March, Meta has just announced a game-changing update for European Union users. Starting soon, individuals in the EU, European Economic Area, and Switzerland will have the power to unlink their Instagram and Facebook accounts, along with other Meta services. Users can expect notifications about this groundbreaking change to pop up in the coming weeks.
This development signifies a significant shift, allowing EU users to enjoy Meta’s diverse services without the worry of their information being shared across platforms. Imagine using Facebook Messenger as a standalone service, completely independent of a Facebook account. Furthermore, for those who have previously linked their Facebook and Instagram accounts, the option to unlink them will soon become a reality. (Meta’s help page clarifies that linked accounts play a role in features such as targeted ads, personalized content recommendations, and post sharing.)
Not stopping there, Meta is extending this autonomy to Facebook Marketplace and Facebook Gaming users. While these services can be used independently of main Facebook accounts, Meta cautions that some functionality may be compromised. For example, Marketplace users unlinking their Facebook information may find themselves communicating with buyers and sellers via email instead of Facebook Messenger. Similarly, Facebook Gaming users might experience limitations, such as being restricted to single-player games.
This transformative move by Meta follows in the footsteps of Google, which recently announced a similar data-sharing halt for services like Search, YouTube, Google Maps, and Chrome. Both Meta and Google’s parent company, Alphabet, were classified as “gatekeepers” under the DMA last September.
It’s worth noting that Meta’s recent decisions align with the DMA’s broader goals of enhancing competition and leveling the playing field for businesses relying on gatekeepers. With the DMA in full force on March 6th, other imminent changes in the EU include making messaging services like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger interoperable with competitors and compelling Apple to allow sideloading on iOS. Stay tuned for more innovations and adjustments as the digital landscape undergoes a significant transformation.
