Investigation Process on Meta's Threads Implementation
Competition Authority, Meta offered by Threads, of its application, Instagram through integration and data fusion methods Law on the Protection of Competitionhas launched an investigation into the alleged violation of the . This situation has led to the digital platforms data management ve competition demonstrates its effects on.
Beginning of the Investigation and Developments
The Competition Authority has started investigations into Meta’s connection of its Threads application to Instagram and the transfer of data between the two platforms. According to the statements made, when Meta’s data aggregation policies were examined, it was determined that the data collected from Instagram could be transferred to Threads accounts and that the data collected through Threads could be used for the personalization and improvement of other Meta products. This situation, violation of competition has become a serious source of concern.
Competition Authority Decisions
The Board decision taken on October 20, 2022, Meta's behavior to continue combining user data obtained from Instagram and Threads applications, Law on the Protection of CompetitionIn this context, an interim injunction was taken to prevent Meta from merging data obtained through Threads with Instagram.
Meta's Solution Suggestions and Applied Penalties
Meta submitted proposals for solutions to the interim injunction decision, but these proposals were found to be insufficient to address anti-competitive concerns. Therefore, the Competition Authority issued a 335 million pounds It has been decided to impose an administrative fine. This situation once again reveals the responsibilities of digital platforms and the importance of protecting user data.
The Future of Threads App and Commitment Process
In order to address the concerns raised, Meta notified its users that it would suspend the operations of the Threads application in Turkey as of April 29, 2024. However, the commitment process initiated for the investigation is ongoing, and Meta submitted a commitment text to the Institution on October 30, 2024. This text stated that users will be able to use Threads without requiring an Instagram account as of the date the Threads application will be re-launched in Turkey.
Changes to Data Aggregation Policies
In the commitment text presented by Meta, it is stated that the data obtained through Threads will not be merged with Instagram unless users choose to merge their accounts. This situation requires users to data privacy ve control is considered as an important step for the
Board Meeting and Acceptance of Commitments
At the Board meeting held on November 23, 2024, it was accepted that the commitments presented by Meta were of a nature that could resolve competition issues. The fact that these commitments could be fulfilled in a short time and effectively implemented allowed the investigation to be concluded. This decision stands out as an indicator of Meta's efforts to comply with competition rules.
User Rights in the Digital Competition Environment
How digital platforms manage user data and how this data is combined is of critical importance for users’ rights. Giving users more say over their data is essential to ensure fairness in the digital competitive environment. The commitments made by Meta are an important step in this direction.
As a result
The investigation launched by the Competition Authority against Meta constitutes an important example in terms of digital platforms’ compliance with data management and competition rules. The steps taken to protect users’ data rights and ensure digital competition will play a critical role in preventing similar situations in the future.
