Threads, the new Twitter competitor from Meta, the owner of Facebook and Instagram, won’t be available in the EU or Ireland when it launches later this week on July 6, according to a spokesperson for Ireland’s Data Protection Commission.
Threads will focus on text-based conversations, with users able to like, share and comment on other users posts, directly port over Instagram followers and following lists, and use their existing Instagram username on the platform.
The new app, which has been described by industry insiders as a “Twitter killer,” is now available for pre-order on the App Store, with it previously assumed that the launch on Thursday would see the service available globally.
However, Irish Independent reports that because of GDPR and EU privacy rules, Meta will hold back from launching the service in the EU and Ireland, with it unclear when (if ever) the service will eventually expand there.
According to the report, Threads will launch in the UK as the GDPR and EU privacy rules do not apply there following Brexit.
“Threads is where communities come together to discuss everything from the topics you care about today to what’ll be trending tomorrow,” reads the app’s App Store listing.
“Whatever it is you’re interested in, you can follow and connect directly with your favorite creators and others who love the same things – or build a loyal following of your own to share your ideas, opinions, and creativity with the world.”