Meta Launching New Social Streams Network “Threads” to Compete with Twitter

Meta, the company owned by Mark Zuckerberg, is set to launch a new social media platform called Threads through Instagram. This platform is aimed to directly compete with Twitter. The launch is scheduled for July 6th, as indicated by the App Store. However, users in the European Union will have to wait as Threads is not yet available in countries such as Germany, Spain, Italy, or France.

Regulatory Problem

While the launch of Threads in Europe is eagerly awaited, Meta is waiting for clarification on European rules before releasing the new product. The company wants to ensure compliance with European digital market laws, as it will be considered a “gatekeeper” similar to other major tech players like Google, Apple, and Microsoft. Compliance with these rules is crucial to avoid any potential sanctions.

Right Time?

The timing of Threads’ launch seems opportune, as Twitter has faced controversy due to its announcement of read restrictions. This has led to an increase in the number of users on competing applications. For example, Mastodon reported a growth of 110,000 users in a single day. Bluesky also experienced a surge in traffic after Elon Musk’s announcement. Whether Threads can capitalize on this situation remains to be seen, despite its unavailability in the European Union.

Elon Musk and Jack Dorsey, former CEO of Twitter and Bluesky board member, have already commented on Threads. Musk sarcastically mentioned the data collection by Threads, while Dorsey pointed out the potential control over users’ threads.