Everyone by now is pretty familiar with the new app Threads, created by Meta, which has taken the world by storm. Millions of users worldwide were quick to download and register for this new application, very similar to Twitter, newly named ‘X’. In just a matter of days, Meta’s new app reached over 100 million users, solidifying the X competitor’s claim to the title of the most rapidly downloaded app ever. Unfortunately, one thing that people were quick to miss while downloading the app was the privacy and security section. Under their privacy policies, we can witness some concerning facts about what data is being collected and how.
What is Threads?
Instagram’s recently launched app, Threads, is a distinctive addition to the social media world, and it debuted on July 5, 2023. At its core, Threads is very similar to Twitter, given its emphasis on a feed of text-based posts. However, where it stands out is in its integration with the Instagram ecosystem. Users are greeted with a feed that not only shows accounts they already follow but also suggests new content based on an intuitive algorithm. With a generous limit of 500 characters per Thread and the option to add photos, videos, and links, Threads offers a dynamic platform to communicate with your existing network and reach a broader audience.
Interestingly, for those who have been long-time Instagram users, the name “Threads” might ring a bell. Instagram did have a previous iteration of Threads in 2019, which was more of a camera-centric messaging tool designed for closer friend circles. The 2023 version, however, is a comprehensive reimagining of the earlier concept, expanding its horizons significantly. With millions of users within the first days after launch, Threads seems to be a new “cool” app in town that everybody wants to be a part of.
What data does Threads collect about you?
Threads has been a hot topic since its launch, especially concerning its privacy policy. The main points of concern arise from the app’s data collection methods, detailed in the Instagram Help Center. This includes tracking user interactions like posts and direct messages, gathering profile details like names and emails, and even tapping into third-party information when users link with other platforms.
Additionally, the app shares a deep connection with Instagram, meaning the data from one can influence the experience of the other. For instance, Threads might recommend the same profile if you follow someone on Instagram. Also, using it through another third app still subjects you to their data collection, capturing things like usernames and IP addresses. As a preface to this section of the privacy policy, Threads writes:
“Because Threads is part of Instagram, we also use information about your profile, activity and followers and connections on Instagram. For example, we may suggest Threads profiles for you to follow if you already follow them on Instagram.”
The most debated aspect is Threads’ collection of device-specific data such as device IDs, signals received on your device, especially location-related information. Despite users turning off location sharing, the application continues to monitor location aspects. Meta, the parent company, defends this by saying it helps personalize user experiences and maintain security. However, many users find this invasive, raising concerns about true privacy on the platform.
How the app uses your data
There is no denying that Meta collects a lot of sensitive data. Almost every other mobile app relies on the data it collects from its users. While many apps like X are in the spotlight, tracking our moves for those “just-for-you” ads, Threads, on the other hand, is sitting back, claiming it’s not in the ad game. But here’s where it gets intriguing: Even without ads, Meta’s still collecting insights like a detective with a magnifying glass. And to add another layer, Meta suggests they might treat your data based on your age! Here is a little piece from Thread’s latest Privacy and Policy section.
“For example, when you have a follower who is a Third Party User, we will share a copy of your post and your information to this follower’s Third Party Service so that it can store, process, and deliver the post to your follower. Similarly, if you make your profile public and a Third Party User replies to or likes one of your posts (whether they follow you or not), we’ll send a copy of your post and your information to the applicable Third Party Service so that it can store and process the interaction, and we’ll collect similar information to show it on Threads.”
A common fact is that most social media platforms are data-hungry. Yet, Meta’s data practices, especially for Threads, raise eyebrows. Join Threads, and you’re tied to Instagram; deleting one means axing both. Let’s face it, with our phones brimming with apps, we’re an open book to developers. Always scrutinize app policies, and if something feels off, it’s time to hit “uninstall.”
