Instagram introduced its latest service, “Threads,” following weeks of speculation and strong predictions.
The new platform is available as a mobile app for Android and iOS users and through the website Threads.net.
It enables users to share text posts of up to 500 characters, photos, and videos of up to five minutes in length.
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Similar to Twitter with Instagram Integration
The interface of Threads resembles Twitter, and users can sign in using their existing Instagram usernames and follow the same accounts they follow on Instagram.
The primary functionality of Threads aligns with Instagram, featuring a blend of content recommended by the platform and accounts users already follow.
Users can also seamlessly share Threads posts directly to their Instagram stories.
Choice of Privacy Settings
Users have the option to set their profiles as either open or closed. Additionally, any accounts blocked on Instagram will also be blocked on Threads.
Furthermore, users can filter replies to their posts, including the ability to specify certain keywords, providing similar control over engagement as on Instagram.
Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri expressed that while Twitter pioneered this space, they identified an opportunity to create an open and community-oriented platform for the existing Instagram user base.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced that Threads had already garnered over 10 million registrations within seven hours of launch.
Limited Availability in Europe
Threads will be accessible in approximately 100 countries, excluding most European nations, except for the United Kingdom.
Earlier reports from the Irish Independent revealed that Meta, the parent company of Instagram, had no immediate plans for a European launch.
TechCrunch highlighted concerns about the app’s potential privacy implications, citing its App Store listing that mentions data collection of health data, financial information, precise location, browsing history, contacts, search history, and other sensitive data.
This data collection could be a reason for Meta’s hesitation to launch Threads in Europe, as the company’s handling of user data has already violated the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
In 2022 alone, Meta incurred fines totaling at least 747 million euros (approximately NOK 8.5 billion) due to privacy-related violations in the EU.
Adam Mosseri addressed the complexities of complying with upcoming laws, stating that they wish only to launch something that may align with future regulations and requirements.
Cross-Compatibility and Future Support
Threads have been rumored to support the ActivityPub protocol, which enables interaction with accounts and content from other services compatible with ActivityPub, including Mastodon and WordPress.
Although this support is not currently available, Adam Mosseri mentioned in a pre-launch statement that they were working on implementing it in the future.
Attempts to contact Meta regarding the status of the Norwegian launch have yet to yield a response so far.
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