Threads is a new social media by Meta which is just a copy of Twitter using Mastodon as a base. Threads accounts are based off Instagram accounts in the same way that YouTube accounts are based off Google accounts, except that without even entering threads Meta already created you a ghost Threads account that people can follow request.

While this approach may seem novel, it has raised concerns within the user community regarding privacy and consent. Some argue that the creation of ghost accounts without explicit user permission infringes upon their autonomy and control over their online presence. On the other hand, proponents of this feature view it as a convenient means to kick-start user engagement and facilitate connections on the platform.

Restrictions

It is essential to acknowledge the valid concerns surrounding privacy and consent that arise from the creation of ghost accounts. In an era where data protection and user rights are paramount, social media platforms must prioritize transparency and user control. To address these concerns, Meta must provide clear and comprehensive options for users to opt out of the ghost account creation process. By granting users the choice to enter the platform at their discretion, Meta can empower individuals to maintain control over their online identities.

The lack of federation restricts user freedom and centralizes power in the hands of Meta. With federation, users have the flexibility to choose their preferred instance, joining communities with specific interests and moderation policies. This diversity of instances promotes a more inclusive and democratic social media landscape. Without federation, Threads potentially limits users’ options and centralizes control, raising concerns about content moderation and platform governance.

Federation

As written by CNN, “The platform, plans for which were earlier reported by Platformer and MoneyControl, would be decentralized, meaning users could ostensibly create different servers or communities, each with their own rules rather than one central platform controlled by Meta.”

Privacy Concerns

Meta’s new app threads tries to track everything about you. Many in the Fediverse worry that Meta may scrape all their sites for all of the data they can see. As Eugen Rochko, founder of Mastodon, says, ” A server you are not signed up with and logged into cannot get your private data or track you across the web. What it can get are your public profile and public posts, which are publicly accessible.” Meta is well known for their privacy violations and because of that one should not trust anything Meta claims, and assume that any data given and likely more to Meta has already been sold to third parties.

A Moderator’s Nightmare

Mastodon was founded by those who were pushed out of bigger social medias like Twitter. Most of these people either got harassed off the platform for being a minority, or they could not access the platform, like those who get bothered by certain images easily, or those who are blind.

The problem with Threads being introduced into the Mastodon Fediverse is a large flood of people who do not understand the etiquette of  those who live on Mastodon and force them to either be pushed to servers that block Threads, or have their admin block Threads anyways.

Overall

Even if Threads actually did decide to federate with the rest of Mastodon it is likely they would be blocked my most Mastodon servers anyways, as many have preemptively blocked Threads. So it is unlikely that most Mastodon users that would care about this would be effected, and if they were they can just switch instances. Overall those who respect their privacy and themselves should avoid Threads at all costs unless it is absolutely necessary for business reasons.