- Threads by Meta: A new app that promises a familiar alternative to Twitter, but with potential data privacy concerns. Users are flocking to Threads, with 10 million sign-ups in the first seven hours, but it’s important to note that Meta-owned apps are known for collecting and selling user data for targeted ads. Is this really the devil we know?
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Decentralization and Interoperability: Meta plans to make Threads interoperable with other social networks that support ActivityPub, a decentralized protocol. This means you could access Threads content from other platforms. While this offers choice and potentially less exploitative services, the implementation of this feature remains uncertain. Will Meta follow through with its promises?
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The Power of Choice: Decentralization empowers users to choose which servers they trust with their data. You can join Threads and embrace the Meta ecosystem, opt for other federated servers, or explore alternatives like Bluesky. But remember, no matter your choice, the server you choose will have access to your data. How will you navigate the ever-changing landscape of decentralized social networks?
Supplemental Information ℹ️
Threads, as a Meta-owned app, follows the company’s data collection practices for targeted advertising. The promise of interoperability with other platforms through ActivityPub raises questions about the extent of Meta’s reach and the potential for “social graph slurping.” Decentralization offers a path to better data practices, but users should remain vigilant and adaptable in the face of evolving business models and privacy concerns.
ELI5 💁
Threads is a new app like Twitter, but owned by Meta, which collects and sells user data for ads. They say Threads will work with other platforms, but we’re not sure if they’ll really do it. People have choices: join Threads, try other servers, or use alternatives like Bluesky. Just remember, the server you pick can still see your data. It’s a changing world, and we get to decide where we fit in.
🍃 #DataPrivacy #Decentralization #SocialNetworks #Meta #Threads