Threads was initially described as a “Twitter-killer” after the app saw record-breaking growth in its first few weeks. The platform was first launched as a direct challenge to X, formerly known as Twitter, which is owned by Elon Musk. It now has 132 million users in 100 million countries.
When it was launched, Meta argued that Threads was distinguishing itself by its seamless integration with Instagram. Nevertheless, some data security experts expressed concerns about potential risks for users in terms of data privacy and security, which could come from sharing so much data across the two platforms.
Users need an Instagram account to sign up for the app, but many are now frustrated that you can’t delete one and keep the other. This, along with missing features like direct messages and search options, has led to heavy criticism, including from regulators.
For example, the UK’s privacy watchdog, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) recently wrote: “We have been clear with Meta since the Threads service was launched that people should be able to delete their Threads profiles and account information, without that having an impact on their Instagram account.”
However, Meta has announced that it will soon roll out changes that will allow users to delete Threads without deleting the linked Instagram account.
The change was revealed by Instagram boss Adam Mosseri. On Threads, he posted that the new feature will be available from the settings menu in a “Delete or Deactivate Profile” section. Meta announced the change in September and it’s currently being rolled out.
The post said the platform had “heard feedback that you want more control over the experience” adding that it was glad “discussions” had resulted in the update and that “people should not have to sacrifice their usage of one service in order to be removed from another”
