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.”
Cybersecurity expert Jake Moore warns that new scams are likely to emerge on Threads
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.
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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.
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