Facebook limits functions in Messenger APIs in Europe due to privacy laws

Facebook is going to make a number of functions in Messenger inaccessible for businesses in Europe in order to comply with privacy legislation. This ensures, among other things, that companies in conversation with European customers no longer see attachments, menus and audio or video.

The changes were outlined by Facebook on the developer website. An overview has been posted of the changes that are being implemented; As of December 16, a number of APIs have been restricted in terms of functionality to comply with European privacy legislation. This means that European companies will soon no longer be able to use them, but European users in conversations with companies outside Europe will also have to deal with this.

One of the changes is in the Send API, which makes it no longer possible to send media or attachments directly to a user. For example, content will not be rendered, and developers will see an error. This applies to audio, video and files, but images will still be displayed. Facebook advises to send a url with the content instead of an attachment.

Developers are shown in their settings what impact the changes will have on their Messenger functionality. They can also see the impact on users if they receive messages with features that are no longer supported.

Companies and shops, among others, use Messenger to speak to customers. For example, companies such as airlines use the service to send boarding passes to customers.