Meta’s alternative to Twitter, Threads, is set to introduce a new feature allowing users to delete their accounts without losing access to Instagram. Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, revealed this development on Threads, addressing user feedback and providing a solution to a long-standing issue.
When Threads was launched by Meta in July as a competitor to X (formerly Twitter), it quickly became the fastest-downloaded app in history. However, its initial success waned as users found it lacking in features compared to other platforms aspiring to be the new Twitter. Complaints included the absence of topic tags, direct messaging, and desktop access (though Threads has since introduced a web version).
One significant grievance was the inability for users to delete their Threads account without losing their Instagram account, a problem Meta acknowledged and promised to address early on. The official announcement from Mosseri came on Monday night, marking a resolution to this issue based on feedback from the Threads community.
The deletion matter has also raised broader questions about Meta’s approach to data collection and privacy. In May, Meta faced a record $1.3 billion fine and was instructed to cease sending data collected from Facebook users in Europe to the United States. Threads’ debut in Europe was delayed due in part to the region’s data-related regulations.
The Information Commissioner’s Office in Britain emphasized that users should not be forced to sacrifice one service to disconnect from another, highlighting the significance of user control and privacy.
In addition to the deletion feature, Mosseri announced another update that will display Threads posts directly on Meta’s other platforms, Facebook and Instagram. However, he dispelled speculation about adding direct messaging to Threads, a function found in social media apps like Instagram and Twitter.
As users seek alternatives to Twitter, especially after Elon Musk’s takeover last year, platforms like Threads, Mastodon, and Bluesky continue to vie for user favor. With these updates, Threads aims to address user concerns and position itself more competitively in the evolving landscape of social media alternatives.
aparna