According to Meta, users in the EU will soon have the option to unlink their Facebook, Instagram, and other Meta accounts.
With this initiative, users in the EU, Eurasian Economic Area, and Switzerland will be able to use Meta’s services without their data being shared across multiple platforms, in line with the forthcoming Digital Markets Act (DMA) in the EU, which is scheduled to go into effect in March.
Users won’t need a Facebook account to use Facebook Messenger, for instance, as a stand-alone app. It will be possible to unlink Facebook and Instagram accounts for those who have already done so.
Users of Facebook Marketplace and Facebook Gaming can access these services without having to provide information from their regular Facebook accounts. However, Meta emphasized that this option would result in limited functionality.
The DMA also includes many restrictions geared at increasing competition and leveling the playing field for businesses that rely on gatekeepers to deliver their services.
Significant other anticipated changes in the EU due to the DMA include forcing Apple to allow sideloading on iOS and requiring messaging services like Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp to work with rivals.