If Facebook is supposed to be a pillar of modernity then call me an Amish.

You seem to have a weird definition of suicide, considering the economy is still alive and well.

Meanwhile there's no sign that any tech giant will ever be more than a short blip in our history. Not sure why we should sacrifice our privacy so a shameless parasite lives a few years longer.

> It hints at Europe performing yet another economic suicide.

Foreign companies are:

1) Taking away valuable citizens data

2) Taking away ad money

3) Not paying taxes

If anything it's an economic suicide to support the status quo.

A lot of businesses rely on Facebook/Instagram for marketing, keeping in touch with customers etc. Those disappearing would kill them pretty quickly. Even if they start making their own self hosted websites no one will find them (and it will incur costs and it will be of shitty quality).

Facebook leaving is a huge threat. I think you are underestimating how big a role it (or its other services) play in people's lives. If FB/Messanger/Instagram/Whatsapp disappear today in some European countries and the government's explanation was "we didn't manage to make an deal" I don't think that government would last for much longer.

That sounds like Facebook propaganda. Business was fine before they arrived and will be fine if they leave.

There is just way more business now. Those businesses choose to host their website, information and communication with customers on FB/Instagram. They think it's profitable for them. It's a very arrogant view to think they are all wrong.

> It's a very arrogant view to think they are all wrong.

It is also correct. Every European company using FB/IG are acting illegally. It is only illegal if you get caught. So, just like speeding or overloading your truck using FB gives you an advantage until you are caught.

True,it will probably have an economic impact. Still, there are several ad options/platforms still available (Google, Tiktok,...) so one would hope that a sizeable amount of the businesses would be able to move their ad campaigns to those instead.

This reminds me of employees who think their employer will collapse when they leave. It's rarely true.

The world would be fine without Facebook, other people will step in to fill the void.

Please elaborate.