Data Transfer Pact: EU without meta apps? Yes, please!

The European Union and the United States of America are currently stuck in negotiations for a new data transfer agreement. One of the reasons why the new "Transatlantic Data Transfer Pact" has not yet come about is that the EU has to insist on a high level of data security for the citizens of the individual countries. Last but not least, the European Court of Justice overturned an agreement that was too lax as early as 2020. Meta again threatened to remove apps like Facebook and Instagram from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store if no agreement is reached. But you can also take that as a promise...

Meta wants to use the data of all users in the USA

Data protection is not only a top priority for companies like Apple, but also in the European Union of States. Especially when it comes to digital offers that manage tons of personal data and are well known to be financed by advertising. In addition, the meta offer Facebook is not an unknown platform, when it comes to data leaks. Various media reported yesterday – such as Bloomberg here and here – on the fact that Meta could withdraw such offers as Facebook and Instagram from the EU market if no agreement is reached in the above-mentioned procedure. Personally, I don't think that would be a great loss.

Similarly, Robert Habeck and Bruno Le Maire are also quoted, who commented on Meta's threats at a press conference yesterday. They confirmed that life without Facebook was "amazing" and "very good." It also noted that the European continent is such a strong and sovereign market that it can withstand such threats from tech companies. That sounds perfectly right, because a data transfer security agreement should not be artificially accelerated and weakened by a private company (or anything else) just so that that company can benefit from it.

What do you think about the topic? Should Meta finally take the (empty) threats seriously? Or is the topic being overblown? Please leave a comment!

Johannes Domke

After graduating from high school, Johannes completed an apprenticeship as a business assistant specializing in foreign languages. But then he decided to research and write, which resulted in his independence. For several years he has been working for Sir Apfelot, among others. His articles include product introductions, news, manuals, video games, consoles, and more. He follows Apple keynotes live via stream.