In response to user feedback and concerns about privacy, Threads, the newest platform owned by Meta, has introduced a long-awaited feature that allows users to opt out of having their posts shared on Instagram and Facebook, The Verge first reports.
This move comes as Threads continues to gain momentum and, just over four months into its existence, boasts nearly 100 million monthly users, as revealed by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg in a recent earnings call.
TOPSHOT - This photo illustration created in Washington, DC, on July 5, 2023, shows Threads, an Instagram app, on the App Store, in front of the logos of Instagram and Threads. Facebook owner Meta's new Threads app, meant to compete with Twitter, was available for pre-order on mobile app stores on iPhone and Android operating systems on July 5, 2023. Listed as "Threads, an Instagram app," the new program should be available in the coming days, and is described on Apple's app store as "Instagram's text-based conversation app." (Photo by Stefani Reynolds / AFP)
Threads' New Opt-Out Feature
For many Threads users, the ability to control their posts' visibility on Instagram and Facebook is a significant step towards safeguarding their online presence.
Here's the step-by-step process to access Threads' new opt-out feature:
- Launch the Threads app on your mobile device.
- In the top right corner of the app interface, locate and tap on the two horizontal lines (also known as the hamburger menu).
- Scroll down the menu options and select "Privacy."
- Within the Privacy settings, look for the option labeled "Suggesting posts on other apps" and select it.
- You will find two switches within this section. To turn off suggestions for Instagram, toggle the first switch to the off position. To turn off suggestions for Facebook, toggle the second switch off. If you wish to turn off suggestions for both platforms, turn both switches off.
It is important to note that Meta is rolling out this feature gradually, so if you don't see the new toggles right away, don't worry; they should become available to you shortly.
This update marks a crucial change for Threads, as until now, posts were shared by default on Meta's other platforms to increase user engagement and visibility.
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User Complaints and Concerns
The decision to launch this opt-out feature follows user complaints and signals a positive response from Threads to user feedback.
PCMAG tells us that in October, Threads acknowledged that it was "listening to feedback" and initiated testing for the opt-out switch, which is now becoming widely accessible.
The platform's eagerness to address users' concerns demonstrates its commitment to providing a more personalized and user-friendly experience.
More Features Coming to Threads
While the opt-out feature is a notable development for Threads, there may be even more significant changes on the horizon.
The Verge has also spotted that Alessandro Paluzzi, a software engineer known for uncovering new features before their official release, has shared a screenshot hinting that Meta may soon make Threads accessible to European Union users.
This would be a crucial expansion, as Threads has been withheld from the EU due to the region's Digital Markets Act regulations governing cross-platform data handling.
Threads' new opt-out feature is a welcome addition for those who value privacy and control over their social media presence.
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