Meta’s latest launch Threads is gearing up as a stark rival to Elon Musk’s Twitter, and has been trending as “Twitter Killer.” Mark Zuckerberg, the man running the three biggest social media platforms: Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp, decided to take down its only rival Twitter by replacing it with Threads. But the tech giant has attempted a serious mess-up with the app that will backfire sooner or later.
Not even one day into its launch, users have discovered a serious flaw that is now deterring potential users from downloading the app. We know that an Instagram account is used to create a profile on Threads, which is integrated directly into the main Instagram app. Users must download the app and sign in using their Instagram accounts or create new accounts if they don’t already have any, in order to use Threads.
The tie-in did not seem alarming at first because it’s an Instagram app, after all. But while everyone was reviewing the app’s features and weighing it against Twitter, one Twitter user brought out the fact that once you sign in to Threads, there is no turning back. The person explained how she deactivated her Threads account, but the app won’t allow her to delete her Threads profile without also deleting her linked Instagram.
Upon further inspection, Meta’s twisted tactic to keep people on their app turned out to be true. On the app’s deactivation page, it is clearly written: “To delete your Threads profile and data, you’ll need to delete your Instagram account.” The Twitter user also shared a screenshot of the same to support her argument and help people:
The policy is concerning as it jeopardizes people’s privacy and freedom of choice on whether or not to use the app. Despite having a history of linking its apps like Facebook and Instagram, the parent firm Meta did not need users to be active on both. But the new Threads-Instagram connection is sending people off. Numerous users replied to the tweet to express their gratitude for pointing out Meta’s cunning ploy to trap people in its app.
Threads went live in 100 countries on Thursday, July 6, and received a ton of traction right away. People quickly began signing up for the app, which is available for download for iOS users on Apple’s App Store and for Android users on Google Play Store. Although the app’s potential attracted a lot of users, this fatal defect might convince them to uninstall it just as quickly.
The conversation has once again shown how important it is for social media apps to take into account people’s rights and privacy. People showing reluctance in installing Threads proves that the app won’t be able to make it big without respecting its user’s choices.
Meta has not yet issued any official comments on the matter, but users are hopeful to see a change in its policy following the viral tweet.