Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, has announced that it will be removing the feature that allows users to chat with Facebook friends on Instagram. The integration, which was added in 2020, will be disconnected starting in mid-December.
Surprisingly, Meta has not provided a reason for the removal of this popular feature. However, speculations suggest that the company may be avoiding potential regulatory consequences, particularly in the European Union (EU). The EU’s Digital Markets Act, passed in 2022, aims to prevent platform holders from gaining monopoly power. If a company surpasses a certain revenue threshold and is deemed overly dominant by the European Commission, hefty penalties can be imposed, up to 10% of its global turnover from the previous year.
The optional cross-platform integration was initially announced in 2019 and finally went live a year later, allowing users to communicate between Facebook and Instagram seamlessly. However, after mid-December 2023, new chats or calls with Facebook friends from Instagram will no longer be possible. Additionally, existing conversations with Facebook accounts on Instagram will become read-only.
In addition to the loss of communication functionality, Facebook accounts will no longer be able to see the activity status or view read receipts of Instagram users. Existing chats with Facebook accounts will also not move to the inbox on either platform, causing potential inconveniences for users who rely on this feature for staying connected.
Considering the recent regulatory environment and the potential penalties outlined under the Digital Markets Act, it is plausible that Meta has decided to remove the cross-messaging feature on Instagram and Facebook to avoid any potential repercussions. By disconnecting the two platforms, Meta may be taking preemptive measures to ensure compliance with EU regulations and steer clear of any penalties.
While users may lament the disappearance of this convenient communication tool, it is clear that Meta’s decision is driven by strategic considerations. As the implementation of the Digital Markets Act progresses, it remains to be seen how other tech giants will respond, and whether this move by Meta sets a precedent for similar adjustments in the future.
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