European governments have long taken a stronger stance against Facebook than the U.S., and that trend continued this week with reports that Irish regulators may order the social media giant to stop sending user data to the U.S. The reported ruling comes a few months after the European Court of Justice stated that this data transfer doesn’t “adequately protect” the privacy of European citizens.

For its part, Facebook said that limiting this flow of data could damage the economy and even potentially slow down recovery following COVID-19. The company also promised to remain compliant with European law.

“Our priority is to ensure that our users, advertisers, customers and partners can continue to enjoy Facebook services while keeping their data safe and secure, and we will continue to transfer data in compliance with the recent European Court ruling and until we receive further guidance,” Facebook VP of global affairs and communications Nick Clegg wrote in a blog post. “Businesses need clear, global rules to protect transatlantic data flows over the long term.”

Of course, Facebook’s real reason for wanting a steady stream of user data has nothing to do with the economy, or helping small businesses recover from the pandemic. Instead, this information represents the company’s primary source of revenue. The more it knows about us, the more money it can make. It really is that simple — which is why this ruling clearly has Facebook so spooked.

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