Meta launches Threads: the new threat that is shaking Twitter
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, is about to unveil its latest innovation, a social network called Threads. This newcomer is positioned as a direct competitor to Twitter, a platform that has recently experienced technical and financial challenges, and whose takeover by Elon Musk at the end of 2022 has sparked much controversy. However, the launch of Threads in Europe may be delayed due to data protection concerns.
Threads: a new textual platform at the heart of communities
Available for pre-order on mobile app stores for iPhone and Android since Tuesday, July 4, Threads is described on the App Store as Instagram's app for conversations via text. "Threads is where communities come together to discuss everything from topics you care about today to what's trending tomorrow," the app's page reads.
Threads' interface resembles that of Twitter and its competitors: a thread of short, replyable text messages. The application aspires to offer Instagram users a social network similar to Twitter, on which they can keep their nickname and follow the news of the creators to whom they are already subscribed. Threads is scheduled to launch on July 6.
A launch (already) delayed in Europe?
Although Threads' launch predictions are promising, an article by The Independent, an Irish outlet, suggests that the launch in Europe could be delayed or even cancelled. At issue, Threads' data collection policy, deemed too intrusive under the strict regulations of the European Union.
Threads plans to collect a wide range of data, including health, financial, browsing history, location, purchases, contacts, and other sensitive information. These practices could hinder the deployment of Threads in Europe, in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation ( GDPR).
A potential impact on the social media landscape
If Threads can successfully navigate these regulatory challenges, the app could represent a credible alternative to Twitter, whose reputation has been tarnished by recent controversies. In recent times, Twitter has faced an increase in hate speech and has been ranked as the worst social media service in terms of protecting LGBTQ+ users from harassment.
In conclusion, Threads is shaping up to be a significant new player in the competitive social media space. However, compliance with the European Union's strict rules on the protection of personal data could be a major obstacle to its expansion. Only time will tell if Threads will manage to live up to these expectations while providing a dynamic and user-friendly online discussion platform.
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