Meta Introduces Enhanced Deletion Feature for Threads App

Threads, perceived as a competitor to Elon Musk's X (formerly known as Twitter), encountered criticism for lacking essential features like search and direct messages present on rival platforms during its launch. Notably, the inability to fully delete a Threads account without also deleting the associated Instagram account drew regulatory attention.

Karobar Karobar
Nov 18, 2023 - 11:57
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Meta Introduces Enhanced Deletion Feature for Threads App

In a bid to address user frustrations, Meta is implementing changes to the Threads app, allowing users to delete their Threads account without losing their connected Instagram account.

Instagram boss, Adam Mosseri, announced this significant update via a post on Threads. The Threads app, initially positioned as a potential "Twitter-killer," faced challenges sustaining its early explosive growth. According to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, the app's monthly user base dropped by more than half, reaching around 100 million users three months after its July launch.

Users were only able to deactivate, not delete, their Threads account if they wished to maintain their linked Instagram profile. The newly introduced feature, available in the settings menu under "Delete or Deactivate Profile," addresses this limitation.

The absence of such a deletion system prompted regulatory scrutiny, with the UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) asserting that users should be able to delete Threads profiles without affecting their Instagram accounts. Meta's response to this concern was announced in September and is now being implemented.

Additionally, Meta disclosed that Threads users will soon have the option to opt out of automatic sharing of posts to Instagram and Facebook. While this feature aimed to boost Threads' visibility, it faced criticism from users. Mosseri noted that Meta had listened to user feedback, emphasizing the need for more control over the sharing experience.