Daily Current Affairs : 7-June-2023
In recent news, Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, has introduced a new app called Threads. This app aims to provide an alternative to Twitter, which is frequently changed by its owner, Elon Musk. Threads is based on Instagram’s account system and offers various features for users to engage in public conversations. While Threads has gained popularity, there are concerns regarding data privacy. Despite this, Meta’s product chief, Chris Cox, envisions Threads as a secure and user-friendly platform that provides creators with a stable home to build and grow their audiences.
Overview of Threads:
Threads is a social media app that allows users to share text updates, post links, reply or report messages, and join public conversations. Similar to Twitter, it emphasizes public conversations, enabling users to follow people they already do on Instagram. The app was launched in over 100 countries, including the United States, Britain, Australia, Canada, and Japan.
Features of Threads:
- Account System: Threads is built upon Instagram’s account system, providing a familiar interface for Instagram users. Existing Instagram users can log in with their usernames and follow the same accounts on the Threads app. New users will need to set up an Instagram account to access Threads.
- Post Interactions: Threads offers buttons to like, repost, reply to, or quote a thread. Users can see the number of likes and replies that a post has received. This encourages engagement and allows users to interact with the content they find interesting.
- Extended Character Limit: Unlike Twitter’s 280-character threshold, Threads allows posts of up to 500 characters. This gives users more room to express their thoughts and ideas effectively. Additionally, posts can include links, photos, and videos of up to five minutes in length, enhancing the multimedia experience.
Data Privacy Concerns:
Despite the promising features, Meta’s new app has raised concerns about data privacy. Threads has the potential to collect a wide range of personal information, including health data, financial details, contacts, browsing and search history, location data, purchases, and “sensitive info.” This extensive data collection raises questions about the protection and usage of user data.
The Road Ahead for Threads:
Chris Cox, Meta’s product chief, envisions Threads as a secure, user-friendly, and dependable platform where creators can find a stable home to build and grow their audiences. The company aims to address the data privacy concerns and ensure that users’ information is protected adequately. By providing a reliable platform, Threads intends to attract creators who are seeking a supportive environment to connect with their audiences.
Important Points:
- Meta has launched an app called Threads as a rival to Twitter, targeting users who are seeking an alternative to Elon Musk’s frequently changing social media platform.
- Threads is based on Instagram’s account system and allows users to share text updates, post links, reply or report messages, and join public conversations.
- The app functions similarly to Twitter, emphasizing public conversations and allowing users to follow people they already do on Instagram.
- Threads was launched in over 100 countries, including the U.S., Britain, Australia, Canada, and Japan.
- Important features of Threads include buttons for liking, reposting, replying to, or quoting a thread, as well as displaying the number of likes and replies a post has received.
- Posts on Threads have a limit of 500 characters, exceeding Twitter’s 280-character threshold, and can include links, photos, and videos up to five minutes long.
- Existing Instagram users can log in with their usernames on Threads and follow the same accounts. New users need to set up an Instagram account.
- Data privacy concerns have been raised regarding Threads, as the app has the potential to collect personal information such as health data, financial details, contacts, browsing history, location data, purchases, and sensitive information.
- Meta’s product chief, Chris Cox, envisions Threads as a secure, user-friendly, and dependable platform that provides creators with a stable home to build and grow their audiences.
- Despite data privacy concerns, Meta aims to address these issues and ensure the protection of user data, with the goal of providing a reliable platform for creators to connect with their audiences.
Why In News
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has recently introduced an innovative app called Threads, positioning itself as a formidable competitor to Twitter. With an emphasis on stability and user autonomy, Threads caters to individuals seeking an alternative social media experience free from the unpredictable alterations often witnessed on platforms influenced by Elon Musk’s vision.
MCQs about Meta’s App Revolutionizing Social Media with Data Privacy Concerns
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What is the main purpose of Meta’s app Threads?
A. To challenge Instagram’s dominance in the social media market.
B. To provide a secure and user-friendly platform for creators.
C. To offer an alternative to Elon Musk’s frequently changing social media platform.
D. To collect personal information for targeted advertising.
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How does Threads differ from Twitter in terms of character limit?
A. Threads has a character limit of 280, similar to Twitter.
B. Threads has a character limit of 500, exceeding Twitter’s 280-character threshold.
C. Threads has no character limit, allowing users to post as much as they want.
D. Threads has a character limit of 200, which is lower than Twitter’s limit.
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What data privacy concerns have been raised regarding Threads?
A. Threads collects only basic user information such as usernames and email addresses.
B. Threads collects health, financial, contacts, browsing history, and other sensitive information.
C. Threads does not collect any user data, ensuring maximum privacy.
D. Threads shares user data with third-party companies for targeted advertising.
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According to Meta’s product chief, Chris Cox, what is his vision for Threads?
A. To create a social media app focused on private conversations and individual interactions.
B. To build a platform where creators can find stability and grow their audiences.
C. To compete directly with Instagram and attract its user base.
D. To provide advanced features and customization options for power users.
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