Expert warns Meta’s new Threads app is the perfect target for SCAMMERS

After weeks of anticipation, Meta finally launched its “Twitter-killer” app, Threads, last night.

While more than 10 million people have already signed up for the app, a cybersecurity expert has warned that Threads could be the perfect target for scammers.

Jake Moore, ESET’s Global Security Advisor, told MailOnline that misinformation and fake accounts could be at stake for the social media platform as it begins to gain popularity in over 100 countries.

Speaking to MailOnline, Mr Moore said: ‘As with any new platform, there is always a battle to gain followings and traction in the beginning.

“Fake accounts usually have a good chance of developing a large following if the gates for all types of accounts open at the same time.”

Although Threads is a new platform, an Instagram account is required to access it, which means no standalone accounts can be created.

Still, Mr. Moore criticized the current verification system on Threads in which anyone can buy a blue tick.

This comes as part of the pre-existing Meta Verified subscription service included in both Facebook and Instagram.

For a blue check, users pay a monthly fee of $11.99 / £9.99 on the web or $14.99 / £11.99 for iOS services.

This paid system is very similar to Twitter Blue, with users also paying $11.00 / £11.00 each month for iOS and $8.00 / £9.60 for web verification.

But again, as with Twitter, this can lead to serious problems with fraudulent profiles on Threads, making it easier to run scams.

After the launch of Twitter Blue, users also saw a huge surge in accounts posing as celebrities.

One person posed as former President George W. Bush — who appeared to post an unsavory tweet about Iraq — and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani.

But this problem isn’t unique to Twitter and Mr. Moore claims it can happen on Threads as well – whether the profile is verified or not.

He continued, “Plus, with the issues around verified accounts where anyone can now buy a verified check, it just gives anyone the opportunity to look like someone else.

Follow the Daily Mail on Threads

Fake accounts and misinformation may also be popping up after the massive Threads launch

‘For example, there is a risk that someone creates an account as an organization or public figure and only pays for verification, only to follow many accounts and gain mutual followers.

“This can later lead to problems such as financial scams, misinformation and disinformation.”

To counteract these risks, Mr. Moore urges users to “stay vigilant,” by questioning what they’re reading and where it’s coming from amid the new buzz for Threads.

“People should double check accounts before tracking them, but this can be challenging with a new platform,” he said.

“That’s why people should remain vigilant about what they read on Threads in the coming weeks and try to verify the information elsewhere before posting again.”

In response, Meta outlined that there are security measures built into its platforms to ensure the verification system is effective.

To get a blue check, accounts must meet minimum activity requirements, such as previous post history, and be at least 18 years old.

Users must also provide government-issued ID – matching their Instagram and Facebook profile.

The tech giant also assured that 40,000 people are currently working on the security of Meta and its protective infrastructure.

Over $16 billion has been invested in building these teams deployed in Threads from day one.

Mr Moore’s concerns come amid other concerns about the platform itself and its potential to invade privacy.

When using Threads, the app collects 14 different types of personal data that can be linked to your identity.

In addition to location and browser history, this includes financial information, purchase history, and even health data.

Zuckerberg’s Meta already uses users’ information to generate personalized ads on its platforms.

So this may be why a chief European Union (EU) regulator told it Politics that Threads is not yet launched there.

Incoming EU regulations – known as the Digital Services Act and Digital Markets Act – seek to preclude the use of sensitive information in ad profiling.

The European Union has been approached for comment.

Follow the Daily Mail on Threads

What is Thread? Everything you need to know about Zuckerberg’s Twitter rival – and what it means for Elon

What is Thread?

Threads is a new microblogging app launched by Meta Platforms at 7pm EST and midnight in the UK.

It is a text-based conversational platform tied to Instagram that allows users to follow accounts they are already interested in on the photo-sharing platform.

Users can share their thoughts in thread-like posts that closely resemble tweets.

“Threads is where communities come together to discuss everything from the topics you care about today to what will be trending tomorrow,” the App Store description reads.

“Whatever you’re interested in, you can follow and connect directly with your favorite creators and others who love the same things – or you can build a loyal following of your own to share your ideas, opinions, and creativity with the world.”

Threads can currently be reserved for users 12 and older on the App Store

The app is available in 31 different languages, including but not limited to English, Traditional Chinese, Russian and Spanish.

Location and browser history are used to make Threads work, according to Meta’s terms of service.

What does it mean for Elon Musk?

Mark Zuckerberg’s Threads comes just days after Elon Musk announced a temporary limit on the number of messages a user can read on Twitter.

Now Twitter users who shell out the $8 a month to become a verified user can view up to 6,000 daily tweets.

Unauthenticated users can see up to 600 tweets per day and new unauthenticated accounts can see up to 300 tweets per day.

Threads is likely to become a huge source of competition between Zuckerberg and Musk, with the pair already agreeing to a physical fight last month.

In a tweet earlier this week, Musk appeared to be taking a swipe at the new platform.

“Thank goodness they are run so sensibly,” he wrote in response to a group of Thread screenshots.

Users can share their thoughts in thread-like posts that closely resemble tweets

What personal data does Threads collect?

Threads collects 14 different types of data that can be linked to your identity.

In addition to location and browser history, this includes financial information, purchase history, and even health data.

The App Store also suggests collecting identifiers and “sensitive information” in addition to personal contact information.

But the data usage may vary depending on your use of the features offered.

A full list of the data collection can be found below:

• Health and fitness
• Financial information
• Contact details
• User Content
• Browsing history
• Usage data
• Diagnostics
• Purchases
• Place
• Contacts
• Search history
• Identifications
• Sensitive information
• Other data

How and when can you download it?

Threads is free and currently available for pre-order for users 12 and older on Apple’s App Store.