Turkish Competition Authority Takes Meta Platforms Inc Regarding Data Distribution

Data spill to Threads from Instagram is accused of violating policies in Turkey. (photo: x @instagram)

JAKARTA - The Turkish Competition Authority on Monday 18 March imposed a temporary action against Meta Platforms Inc which aims to hinder the sharing of data between the Instagram platform and Threads. This step was taken as part of an investigation into the company's possible abuse of the company's dominant position.

In December, Turkish authorities began an investigation into Facebook's parent company, Meta Platform Inc., over a possible violation of competition law by linking its newer social media platforms, Instagram and Threads.

The authority said that this interim action would remain in effect until a final decision was made, as data obtained and combined through these two applications could violate competition laws and cause irreparable damage' in the market.

Separately, Turkish authorities imposed a fine of 4.8 million lires per day on Meta as part of a separate investigation into a notification message the company sent to users about data sharing.

Notifications about data sharing between the company's Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp services are considered not providing sufficient information and not transparent enough. The notification is also designed to guide users to approve data sharing, which is not deemed sufficient to address anti-competitive concerns.

A Meta spokesperson said the company was considering the decision and would provide further statements in due course.