If you are an Instagram or Facebook Messenger user, you have probably encountered a new notification like “some features not available,” the company explained why this warning appears.
You also probably don’t have much idea of exactly what features you are missing, or what Facebook is working on so you can use them again. These are, as the company explains, changes to Facebook messaging services in the European Union.
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The ePrivacy Regulation will bring the rules up to date with the GDPR
In 2017 the European Commission proposed a new regulation for privacy and electronic communications, its aim was to bring the rules up to date with the GDPR. And after years of negotiations on the final text, the directive now comes into force and replaces the cookie law passed in 2002.
The regulation directly affects messaging services and limits the ways in which companies can use data from chats and calls. That’s why Facebook says it is “adjusting how its services work to comply with the law.”
For now, basic and more important functions such as text messaging and calling are the priority, however, they explain that “advanced functions such as surveys could be interrupted while they make changes to get in line with the new privacy rules.”
Why do you see “some features not available” notification on Messenger and Instagram?
The new Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations change how companies ask for consent when tracking users and setting cookies, emphasizing that the user must consent through a clear and affirmative action, and therefore the mere banners to accept cookies no longer make sense and we will finally see them begin to disappear.
The ePrivacy regulation also prohibits the monitoring of communications and the collection of metadata without the explicit consent of those involved. It also prohibits messaging services from using data to prevent, detect, and respond to child abuse material and other forms of harm.
