What is Threading?
Threads is a new microblogging app launched by Meta Platforms on July 5 at 7pm EST and July 6 at 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 point of view in thread-like posts that look very much like tweets.
“Threads is where communities come together to discuss everything from the topics that interest you today to what will be trending tomorrow,” reads the App Store’s description.
“Whatever you’re interested in, you can follow and connect directly with your favorite creators and others who love the same things – or build a loyal following yourself to share your ideas, opinions and creativity with the world.”
Threads is currently available for pre-order for users ages 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 for Threads to function, according to Meta’s terms of service.
What does it mean for Elon Musk?
Mark Zuckerberg’s Threads came just days after Elon Musk announced a temporary limit on the number of messages a user can read on Twitter.
Now Twitter users who earn $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 will likely be a huge source of competition between Zuckerberg and Musk, with the pair already agreeing to a physical fight last month.
Just before launch, Musk appeared to be taking a swipe at the new platform.
“Thank goodness they are managed so soundly,” he wrote in response to a group of Thread screenshots.
Users can share their point of view in thread-like posts that look very much like 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 data usage may vary depending on your use of the features provided.
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
- Identification data
- 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.
Mark Zuckerberg claims a web version will be available soon.