The recent launch of Meta’s new Instagram Threads app has caused quite a buzz, with over 30 million users joining in just 24 hours. As a text-based conversation app, Threads aims to rival Twitter and provide users with a new way to connect.
However, concerns about data collection practices have raised questions and led some individuals to avoid using the app altogether. Here are five key points you need to know before diving into Instagram Threads.
1. Threads vs. Twitter: The Rivalry
Meta describes Threads as “Instagram’s text-based conversation app,” distinguishing it from the visual-centric nature of Instagram itself. The launch of Threads is seen as a direct challenge to Twitter’s dominance in the realm of public conversations.
Meta co-founder Mark Zuckerberg has expressed his belief that there should be a public conversations app with over 1 billion users, a feat he feels Twitter hasn’t accomplished yet. With Twitter’s recent limitations and user frustrations, Instagram Threads aims to fill the void and provide an alternative.
2. Similarities and Differences
Instagram Threads is currently available only as a mobile app, with no desktop version. To use the app, you must have an existing Instagram account. Upon downloading Threads for iPhone or Android, you can log in using your Instagram credentials.
Your Instagram username will be assigned to your Threads account, but you have the option to personalize your photo, bio, and external website address. The app allows you to automatically follow your Instagram contacts on Threads or manually follow other users.
Additionally, you can choose to make your account public or private, giving you control over who sees your content.
Posts on Threads can be up to 500 characters or five minutes of video, and you can like, comment on, and share others’ posts. However, unlike Twitter, Threads does not allow direct messages or the ability to search hashtags for specific topics or discussions.
3. Data Collection and Privacy Concerns
One of the primary concerns surrounding Threads is Meta’s data collection practices. Users have raised alarms about the extensive data collection permissions required during the sign-up process.
Some individuals compare the data collection page to a lengthy CVS receipt, causing apprehension about the privacy of personal information. Meta’s data collection policies for Threads mirror those of Instagram, which have faced scrutiny in the past.
While Meta has access to a wide range of user data, including health information, location, shopping purchases, and more, compliance with privacy frameworks like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the European Union remains a challenge. As a result, Instagram Threads is not currently available in the EU.
4. Data Misuse and Security Risks
Concerns about data breaches and misuse of personal information are valid when using any platform, including Threads.
Past incidents involving Meta’s platforms, such as Facebook’s data breach and the Cambridge Analytica scandal, highlight the potential risks. Breaches can lead to stolen identities, financial loss, fraud, and various scams.
While it’s impossible to predict when a breach might occur, users can take precautions by limiting the data they share with organizations and implementing privacy settings.
5. Safeguarding Sensitive Information
To safeguard your sensitive information on Instagram Threads, privacy experts recommend controlling the data you share. For example, users can immediately turn off access to photos after uploading them.
Additionally, adjusting your phone’s privacy settings and using ad-blocking tools can make it harder for companies like Meta to track your online activities.
Apps like PrivacyHawk can further minimize your digital footprint and enhance your data protection. By adopting these practices, you can reduce the risk of your data being misused or compromised.
Considerations for Parents
If your children are interested in using Instagram Threads, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the app’s privacy policy and understand the personal information it collects. While Threads is open to users over 12, it defaults to a private profile setting for users under 16, similar to Instagram.
Parents should assess whether the app aligns with their privacy expectations and teach their children about privacy settings, limited content visibility, and how to handle friend or follower requests.
The Bottom Line: Be Mindful of Your Data
When considering using Instagram Threads or any social media platform, it’s crucial to be aware of how your sensitive information is collected and used. Meta’s history with data handling and privacy concerns should prompt users to approach their platforms with caution.
By being mindful of the data you share, adjusting privacy settings, and utilizing privacy-enhancing tools, you can take steps to protect your information in the digital realm.
