If you are a user of Threads, the messaging app from Meta (formerly Facebook), you may have noticed that you can no longer access it through a VPN in Europe. This is because Meta has decided to block VPN traffic to Threads, citing compliance with the EU’s ePrivacy Directive.
Meta claims that it needs to verify the user’s location and consent to use cookies and other tracking technologies, which is not possible when using a VPN. However, this move has raised concerns among privacy advocates and users who rely on VPNs for security and anonymity.
VPNs, or virtual private networks, are services that encrypt and route your internet traffic through a server in another location, hiding your IP address and location from websites and apps. Many people use VPNs to protect their online privacy, bypass censorship, access geo-restricted content, or simply enjoy a faster and more stable connection.
Meta’s decision to block VPN access to Threads is not only inconvenient for users who want to use the app, but also potentially harmful for their privacy and security. By forcing users to reveal their location and consent to tracking, Meta is exposing them to more surveillance and data collection, which could be used for targeted advertising, profiling, or even sold to third parties.
Moreover, Meta’s justification for blocking VPNs is questionable, as there are other ways to comply with the ePrivacy Directive without compromising user privacy. For example, Meta could use other methods to verify the user’s location, such as asking for a phone number or a verification code. Alternatively, Meta could allow users to opt out of tracking and cookies, or use privacy-preserving technologies that do not rely on personal data.
Meta’s blocking of VPN access to Threads is not only a bad user experience, but also a bad privacy practice. Users should have the right to choose how they access the internet and what data they share with online services. Meta should respect user privacy and security, and stop blocking VPN access to Threads in Europe.
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