Mark Zuckerberg threatens to shut down Facebook and Instagram in Europe

Meta owner Mark Zuckerberg has thrown a proverbial hand grenade into the trenches of the social media world, leaving Facebook and Instagram users in an uncomfortable sweat. 

Zuckerberg warned of the potential implications during Meta’s annual report, stating that Facebook and Instagram may be shut down across Europe if Meta is not allowed to migrate, store and process data from its European users on US-based servers.

Meta’s biggest sticking point comes from transatlantic data transfers protected by the ‘Privacy Sheild’ and other agreements that protect the geolocation of data from European users on Meta-owned platforms. These protocols are currently under major scrutiny in the EU.

Within its annual submission to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Meta (in short) states that if a new framework is not adopted or they are no longer allowed to use the current models in place, they will “probably” no longer be able to offer the majority of their most significant products or services (including Facebook and Instagram). 

Sharing data between countries and regions is a crucial component of Meta’s services and targeted advertising. Unfortunately for them, Privacy Sheild was annulled by the European Court of Justice in July 2020 because of data protection violations. The EU and US have allegedly been working on a new or updated version of the treaty ever since. 

Speaking to City A.M., John Nolan, Meta’s London-based tech media and advertising communications leader, shared a statement from Nick Clegg, Meta’s VP of Global Affairs and Communications.

Clegg warned that “a lack of safe, secure and legal international data transfers would damage the economy and hamper the growth of data-driven businesses in the EU, just as we seek a recovery from Covid-19.”

“The impact would be felt by businesses large and small, across multiple sectors,” he continued.

“Businesses need clear, global rules, underpinned by the strong rule of law, to protect transatlantic data flows over the long term.”

He added: “While policymakers are working towards a sustainable, long-term solution, we urge regulators to adopt a proportionate and pragmatic approach to minimise disruption to the many thousands of businesses who, like Facebook, have been relying on these mechanisms in good faith to transfer data in a safe and secure way.”

Volatile times for Social Media and the wider digital marketing world, but could and would Zucks really turn off Facebook and Instagram completely in the EU? Only time will tell!