Breaking News: Meta Allows Separate Social Media Accounts to Meet EU Antitrust Guidelines!
Meta is implementing a significant change to comply with European antitrust requirements starting in March. The noteworthy development is that Meta allows separate social media accounts, enabling users to unlink their Instagram, Facebook, and Messenger accounts, including those related to Facebook Marketplace and Facebook Gaming. This allows users to establish each as an independent account with no shared data between them. The announcement was officially made by Meta through a press release.
In the next few weeks, people will get messages letting them decide if they want to share information about Meta’s services. They’ll have different choices to pick from.
Users of Instagram and Facebook in the EU, EEA, and Switzerland will have additional options in using Meta’s services and features to align with the Digital Markets Act (DMA).
Table of Contents
Using Information Between Connected and Separate Social Media Accounts
- Connected Accounts Option:
- People who linked their Instagram and Facebook accounts can decide to keep them connected through our Accounts Center. This way, their information will be shared between both accounts.
- Separate Social Media Accounts Option:
- Alternatively, users can choose to keep their Instagram and Facebook accounts separate, ensuring that their information is not shared between the two.
Using Facebook Messenger
- Option 1: Continue with Facebook Account:
- Users of Facebook Messenger can decide if they want to keep using it with their existing Facebook account.
- Option 2: New Stand-Alone Messenger Account:
- Alternatively, users can choose to create a completely new Messenger account without using their Facebook information. Even with this new account, they can still access Messenger’s main features, including private messaging, chat, voice, and video calling.
Using Facebook Marketplace
- Option 1: Facebook-Connected Marketplace:
- Users on Facebook Marketplace can decide if they want an experience that uses their Facebook information.
- Option 2: Facebook-Independent Marketplace:
- Alternatively, users can opt not to use their Facebook information for their Marketplace experience.
- Details for Facebook-Independent Marketplace:
- Even without Facebook information, users can still browse listings and engage in buying and selling activities.
- Notably, communication between buyers and sellers will occur through email instead of Facebook Messenger.
Playing Games on Facebook
- Option 1: Facebook-Connected Gaming:
- Users playing games on Facebook can decide if they want an experience that uses their Facebook information.
- Option 2: Facebook-Independent Gaming:
- Alternatively, users can choose not to use their Facebook information for their gaming experience on Facebook.
- Details for Facebook-Independent Gaming:
- Even without Facebook information, users can play some single-player games.
- Perks of Facebook-Connected Gaming:
- Those who opt for a Facebook-connected experience will enjoy features like multiplayer games, in-game purchases, and personalized game suggestions.
Advertisements on Instagram and Facebook
- Ad-Supported Usage:
- Users in the EU, EEA, and Switzerland can use Instagram and Facebook for free with ads.
- Ad-Free Subscription Option:
- Alternatively, users can choose to subscribe to stop seeing ads.
- Privacy Note for Subscribers:
- For those who subscribe to the ad-free option, their information will not be used for ads.
- Rollout Information:
- This choice was introduced in November 2023.
Meta’s Commitment to Adhering to Changing European Regulation
- Meta is dedicated to aligning with the evolving regulations in Europe.
- The DMA aims to foster competition and fairness in digital markets, a goal that Meta fully backs.
- We are determined to put in ongoing efforts to make sure that Meta’s products in the EU meet the DMA standards and provide value to users.
- To achieve this, we have formed a substantial cross-functional team comprising experienced individuals from various parts of the world and across all our apps.
Conclusion
So, to sum it up, Meta is making some changes to go along with the Digital Markets Act (DMA). If you use Instagram or Facebook in the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, you’ll soon get more choices in how you use Meta’s stuff. Now, one cool option is having separate social media accounts. This means you can keep things like Instagram and Facebook apart, giving you more say in how you want your online experience to be. It’s not just about following rules; Meta is really trying to make things more personalized and flexible for you.
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FAQ’s
Can I have separate social media accounts for Instagram and Facebook on Meta now?
Yes, absolutely! Meta has introduced the option for users in the EU, EEA, and Switzerland to have separate social media accounts, allowing you to unlink your Instagram and Facebook accounts if you prefer.
How do I unlink my Instagram and Facebook accounts to have separate accounts on Meta?
To unlink your accounts, go to Meta’s settings and navigate to the Accounts Center. There, you can choose to disconnect your Instagram and Facebook accounts, giving you the freedom to use them independently.
What are the benefits of having separate social media accounts on Meta?
Having separate social media accounts means more control. You can manage your Instagram and Facebook experiences independently, ensuring that there’s no shared data between the two.
Will I lose any data or features if I choose to have separate social media accounts?
No, you won’t lose anything important. Choosing separate social media accounts on Meta simply means that your Instagram and Facebook information won’t be shared, but you can still enjoy all the features both platforms offer.
Is the option for separate social media accounts available to users outside the EU, EEA, and Switzerland?
Currently, this specific option is limited to users in the EU, EEA, and Switzerland. Meta is rolling out these changes as part of compliance with the Digital Markets Act in these regions.
