Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, announced on Thursday the expansion of Threads, the rival platform to Meta‘s X, across the European Union. With this move, Threads opened its doors to over 448 million potential users across Europe, presenting a substantial opportunity for the platform’s growth and outreach.

Zuckerberg shared the news on Threads, stating, “Today we’re opening Threads to more countries in Europe. Welcome everyone.”

This milestone follows Threads’ initial launch in over 100 countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom, earlier in the year 2023, IANS reported from SanFrancisco.

In a significant stride to ensure accessibility, Meta has granted EU users the ability to browse Threads without needing a profile, enhancing user convenience and encouraging exploration of the platform’s features.

The delayed launch of Threads in EU nations has been attributed to the recent introduction of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) within the bloc, as reported by The Verge. Instagram head Adam Mosseri cited the complexities of complying with upcoming laws as a primary reason for the delay, notably mentioning the challenges posed by regulations expected to take effect in the coming year.

Under the DMA, companies like Meta, categorized as “gatekeepers,” are mandated to comply with its requirements by March 2024. The act defines “gatekeepers” as digital platforms that hold a significant position, serving as a crucial intermediary between business users and consumers, potentially exerting substantial influence in the digital economy.

To address concerns regarding the dominance of these gatekeepers, the DMA outlines a set of obligations these platforms must adhere to, including restrictions on certain behaviors that might create bottlenecks or unfairly impact the digital market.

The expansion of Threads into the European market amid regulatory changes highlights Meta‘s efforts to navigate evolving legislative landscapes while aiming to offer its services to a broader user base, despite the challenges posed by regulatory compliance.