Facebook’s creators have launched an app that rivals Twitter in the UK, but security worries still loom. Threads, created by Facebook and Instagram owners Meta, was launched live in the UK at midnight on Thursday. It has already seen over 10 million people join, according to Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg.
Posting on the newly launched app under the username zuck and using a “mind-blown” emoji, Mr. Zuckerberg wrote: “10 million sign-ups in seven hours.” With many changes taking place on Twitter under the ownership of Elon Musk, including the removal of verified legacy accounts and changes to Twitter’s dashboard application, Tweetdeck, users will be trying to switch to Zuckerberg’s latest addition. These are the most common questions about Threads.
What is Thread?
Similar to Twitter, the brand-new social media app focuses on text posts. It allows users to post up to 500 characters of text and up to five minutes of video and links, as well as pictures.
How do you sign up?
The Threads app can be downloaded from the Google Play Store or the Apple Pay Store onto an Android or iOS device. Instagram users can use their login details to sign into the app. Users can select a private or public profile before posting.
How is the app similar to Twitter?
Threads look like Twitter, with options to post, quote a thread, search, like, and reply to posts, and view ‘activity’ linked to what you post. This is equally true for Twitter through ‘notifications’. Threads also replicates Twitter’s column-based design, with users scrolling vertically through the app to view what others post. There is also a verification option, which currently gives a blue verified tick to Instagram accounts.
How does the app differ from Twitter?
Unlike Twitter, Threads does not currently have the option of directly messaging other users, and there is no desktop version at the moment. Twitter Threads do not include lists, bookmarks, or communities. Threads also lack hashtags. Searching for words and phrases posted by users instead of specific accounts, which has historically been easy on Twitter, seems limited.
Are there any security or privacy concerns?
Many have raised concerns about the app’s use of personal data, with reports stating the app was not launched in the European Union (EU) on Thursday because of this issue and the implementation of the EU’s Digital Markets Act. There is still uncertainty about how the app will use data from users. However, many have pointed to alleged risks surrounding its launch, including Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey.
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“All your threads belong to us,” he posted, alongside a widely shared screenshot of the privacy section for Threads on the App Store. This suggests the app will collect data including financial information, contacts, and browsing history. Current Twitter owner Musk replied to the tweet on Tuesday, “Yeah.”
What have social media users said about the app?
Celebrities have already flocking to Threads, including Shakira, who posted, “Well, hello threads”.
Chef Gordon Ramsey posted, “Is this where I find the lamb sauce?” Others have shared their hopes for the upcoming app or expressed their relief at having an alternative social media tool instead of Twitter.
One posted a cartoon image of a mythical creature performing a yoga pose with the caption, I’m ready for the new app!” “How it feels not to be on Twitter for three seconds.”
