- EU users will soon have the option to separate their Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger accounts to have more control over their personal data.
- Meta, the parent company of these platforms, wants users to maintain the connection between their accounts to provide more contextual data for its systems.
- The separation of user data will also extend to Facebook Marketplace and Facebook Gaming, giving EU users broader controls over their personal data usage.
Meta Introduces Additional Data Control Options for EU Users
Meta has announced new data control options for EU users, allowing them to separate their Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger accounts if desired. Users will be able to silo their accounts, maintaining data isolation between platforms. This gives EU users more control over their personal information and the choice of connecting or managing their accounts separately. The optional separation also extends to Facebook Marketplace and Facebook Gaming, providing broader controls over personal data usage. While Meta encourages users to maintain the connection for more contextual data, the separation could improve relevant recommendations on each app. The update comes in addition to the option for EU users to pay a monthly fee for ad-free versions of Facebook and Instagram, eliminating personal data tracking for ad targeting. However, this is facing a legal challenge from a privacy rights group in Austria. The EU DMA, set to come into effect in March, will further regulate data control in social apps.