Meta, the parent company of Instagram, recently launched its new social networking app called Threads, which aims to rival Twitter. However, users have discovered an unexpected drawback when it comes to deleting their Threads account. The process not only removes the Threads profile but also erases the entire associated Instagram account, as reported by The Verge. This issue has raised concerns among users who are looking for a way to separate their presence on the two platforms.
When signing up for a Threads account, users have the option to use their Instagram credentials, allowing them to import their profile and circles from the popular photo-sharing app. However, this integration comes with the consequence of tightly linking the accounts on both platforms. This limitation has drawn criticism from users who desire more control over their online presence.
In response to the issue, Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, addressed the matter in a post on Threads. He assured users that Meta is aware of the problem and is actively seeking a solution that will enable them to delete their Threads account separately from their Instagram account. The company is also working on adding essential features that are currently missing from the app, such as the following tab, hashtags, fediverse support, and messaging.
In the interim, users have alternative options to manage their Threads account. They can deactivate their account to hide their profile and content, set their profile to private, or delete individual threads. It’s worth noting that users can also sign up for a Threads account using an email address or phone number that is not linked to their Instagram account, providing a way to maintain complete separation between the two platforms.
The launch of Threads coincided with a period of discontent among Twitter users due to recent changes implemented by the platform. Twitter initially restricted access to tweets for non-logged-in users and later imposed a strict daily limit on the number of posts visible. This situation presented an opportune moment for Meta to introduce Threads, resulting in approximately 10 million users signing up within the first seven hours of its availability. Astonishingly, the app gained a user base of 30 million within its first morning of release.
However, shortly after the launch of Threads, Twitter retaliated with a potential lawsuit against Meta. Twitter accused the company of poaching former employees and misappropriating trade secrets and intellectual property. In response to a tweet discussing the possible legal action, Elon Musk weighed in, stating, “Competition is fine, cheating is not.”
As Meta grapples with the issue of account deletion on Threads and faces legal threats from Twitter, it remains to be seen how the company will address these challenges. Users await a resolution that allows them more flexibility in managing their presence on the social networking platforms while maintaining the integrity of their accounts.
