Signing up for an app usually means signing a data-sharing agreement. However, with Meta’s new social media platform, “Threads,” this situation takes on a whole new dimension.
Threads was launched on Thursday and reached over 10 million users in the first seven hours. By the afternoon, it had already exceeded 30 million users… However, this rapid growth is raising concerns about the collection and use of users’ personal data.
What Data Does Threads Collect?
The App Privacy section on Threads’ App Store page lists in detail how the app tracks users and uses their data. This list is much longer than our readers might guess.
In short, Threads collects almost every kind of data it can get its hands on. This covers a wide range from your health data, purchases, financial information, location, contact information, search history, and even your browsing history. For a detailed breakdown of how Threads gathers and uses your data, click the “See Details” link under the App Privacy section on the App Store page (opens in a new tab).
Industry Reactions
Twitter’s co-founder Jack Dorsey noticed this situation and shared the App Privacy section of Threads with a tweet. The current owner of Twitter, Elon Musk, responded to this situation with a simple “yeah.”
All your Threads are belong to us https://t.co/FfrIcUng5O pic.twitter.com/V7xbMOfINt
— jack (@jack) July 4, 2023
This situation is not a big surprise. The amount and variety of data collected by Threads is very similar to its sister app, Instagram. Both Threads and Instagram are owned by Meta, which you already know is constantly being sued for issues related to user privacy.
Comparison with Other Social Media Apps
Other major social media apps, including Twitter, collect user data and use this data to serve better ads from third-party companies. On Twitter’s App Privacy page, there is a similar but much shorter list of how the company uses user data.
Still, it’s a bit disappointing to hand over your heaps of data to an app that you’ll only use occasionally, basically a clone of Twitter. “Was all the development of the Internet for this?”
Alternative Solutions
Jack Dorsey’s another Twitter clone, called BlueSky, is currently only available by invitation and says it is working on ways to generate revenue without being as dependent on third-party ads as its competitors.
Final Thoughts
What I mean is that the rapidly growing user base of Threads should be aware of how their personal data is used and take necessary precautions. Data privacy has become one of the most important issues in the digital age, and users need to be aware of this. Don’t say, “Oh dear, I didn’t hear, oh, I didn’t see! :((” later 🙂.
References
You can also read our newest articles about Threads:
- Deleting Threads account requires Instagram deactivation, Meta explains
- Threads: A vanilla platform that can’t embrace Twitter’s energy
- Twitter vs Threads: How is Threads different than Twitter?