Instagram Threads, the Twitter alternative from Meta, is almost here. An App Store listing reveals that the app will debut this Thursday, July 6, at least in the US. The app’s description reveals that it will collect all of your data, certainly more than what Twitter collects.
Meta has been hurrying to launch Threads as part of Instagram to give its users a new social platform amid Twitter’s fumbles. The app, aptly called “Threads, an Instagram app,” showed up on the Google Play Store last Saturday for Android devices. That was followed by a listing on the App Store for iPhones.
While the app is still not available for download on either platform, the App Store listing carries a launch date of July 6. For some markets, it mentions a July 7 launch. Either way, Meta appears to be ready to take Twitter heads-on this week by launching Threads right on the heels of the former’s new usage limits.
Meta describes Threads as a “text-based conversation app.” According to the company, the platform will allow people to “come together to discuss everything,” including their interests and the latest trending topics. “Whatever it is you’re interested in, you can follow and connect directly with your favorite creators and others who love the same things — or build a loyal following of your own to share your ideas, opinions, and creativity with the world,” Meta explains.
Instagram Threads can collect too much personal information
Meta is launching Threads to try and steal Twitter users irked by the recent changes on the platform. However, privacy-conscious users may find the new Meta app’s data collection practice too invasive. As pointed out by @ianzelbo on Twitter, Instagram Threads can obtain everything there is to know about you, including your financial info, health and fitness data, and other sensitive info. Twitter doesn’t collect these details.
That said, Threads is collecting the same information about you that Instagram already has. So if you’re using Instagram, Meta already has all of your data. Threads won’t scrap anything more. Perhaps that explains the account sync support between the two apps. You can use your Instagram credentials to sign into Threads—no need to create a separate account. But if you don’t use Instagram, using Threads means you’re giving more information about yourself to Meta, allowing the company to control another facet of your social media and online experience. It’s a choice you have to make.
Serious question. Is there an option that they did not select…? pic.twitter.com/Rlx9Vvd46H
— Ian Zelbo (@ianzelbo) July 3, 2023
2023-07-04 15:05:43