Facebook is disabling several features in its Messenger and Instagram apps for people in Europe, to make sure they comply with a change in privacy rules.

From 21 December, messaging apps will fall under EU rules known as the ePrivacy directive.

Facebook has decided to switch off several interactive options and offer just a core messaging service until it can add the extras back in.

Facebook and Instagram disable features in Europe https://t.co/0YB1C0QmYw

— BBC News Technology (@BBCTech) December 17, 2020

Group chat polls on Messenger are among the tools to be switched off.

The ability to set nicknames for friends on Messenger will also be deactivated, while the sharing of augmented-reality face filters via direct message on Instagram will also be switched off in Europe.

Facebook said it had not published a list of all the features it was suspending in Europe because it would be quickly reactivating ones that it was confident complied with the rules.

The core text messaging and calling options on Instagram and Messenger will not be affected.

"We're still determining the best way to bring these features back. It takes time to rebuild products in a way that work seamlessly for people and also comply with new regulation," the company said in a statement.

The tools will be deactivated for users across Europe in stages, so some people may find they can still use them for a few more days.