Meta listens to janata, will finally let you delete Threads without having to delete Instagram
In May, Meta got a huge fine and was told to stop sending data from Facebook users in Europe to the United States. (Photo Credits: Getty Images)
When Meta introduced Threads on July 5, it was completely linked to Instagram, Meta's platform for sharing photos and videos.
The link went beyond just sharing profiles, followers, and settings -- it even affected how you managed your account, including the ability to delete Threads accounts.
What
Now, Threads, Meta's Twitter rival, is making a change that users have wanted since the launch of Threads.
You can now delete your Threads account without having to lose Instagram access.
How to
- If you want to remove your Threads profile, open the app on your phone.
- Tap the profile button at the bottom right, then go to Settings by clicking the two line on the top right.
- Next, tap on 'Account', and you'll see a new choice called 'Delete or Deactivate Profile'.
- If you choose 'Deactivate Profile,' it archives your posts, but if you choose 'Delete', it removes your account without affecting your linked Instagram account.
When Meta launched Threads to compete with X (formerly Twitter), it became the fastest-downloaded app ever. However, users were unhappy because it lacked features and didn't let them delete Threads without losing their Instagram.
Now, Instagram Head Adam Mosseri has announced a solution, responding to feedback from the Threads community.
Mosseri says this feature is now available to everyone.
Meta and Data Woes
In May, Meta was slapped with a huge fine and told to stop sending data from Facebook users in Europe to the United States, reported the New York Times. Threads also got delayed in Europe because of data rules there.
The privacy watchdog in the UK told Meta that users shouldn't have to give up using one service just to leave another.
Since Elon Musk took over Twitter and turned it into X, some people who didn't like its changes have been looking for a new platform. But no clear winner has appeared on the scene so far. Platforms like Mastodon, Bluesky, and Threads are still vying to be the new favourite.