Threads profiles can't be deleted without deleting entire Instagram account
Social media users were in for quite the shock
People have been left baffled after finding out Threads profiles can't be deleted without deleting their entire Instagram account.
The latest kid on the social media block, Threads, is Instagram's brand-new text-based conversation app which has just been launched yesterday (6 July).
Dubbed as Meta's Twitter rival, Threads is described to be 'a new way to share with text' which will 'shape the future of the internet'.
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Launched as a tool for communities to come together and discuss today’s topics and tomorrow’s trends - the new platform is different from Instagram for a few reasons.
Unlike Instagram, which has connected billions of people around the world over photos and videos, Threads explains: "Our vision with Threads is to take what Instagram does best and expand that to text, creating a positive and creative space to express your ideas.
"Just like on Instagram, with Threads you can follow and connect with friends and creators who share your interests - including the people you follow on Instagram and beyond. And you can use our existing suite of safety and user controls."
And it's clear people couldn't wait to hop on board the latest craze with over 30 million people signing up in less than 24 hours, according to co-founder and chief executive Mark Zuckerberg.
However, while there are some key separations between the way the two platforms works - many users were shocked to find out they could not delete their Threads account without deleting their linked Instagram account which is required to get started on the new app.
In a Supplemental Privacy Policy, Meta explains: "You may deactivate your Threads profile at any time, but your Threads profile can only be deleted by deleting your Instagram account."
Upon finding out the news, a whole avalanche of people rushed to social media to share their reactions.
One Twitter user wrote: "I deactivated my threads account already but it turns out you can’t delete your threads account *without also deleting your Instagram account* so maybe just don’t sign up!"
A second penned: "Seeing everyone flock to Threads, complain about it, and then realizing they can’t delete their account without also deleting their Instagram is gold. I wouldn’t have expected anything less from Meta."
While a third added: "Was this close to getting into threads until I learned you can't just delete the account without not deleting my entire Instagram so ya no thanks."
"Is Threads a real challenger?" asked another. "I'm on the fence."
They then highlighted two 'cons' including: "Can't delete your Thread account without deleting your IG account (currently)," and "My IG is private & personal. Do I want a second account?"
However, they also pointed out: "Twitter is deteriorating. Something needs to challenge it."
Some, however, were seemingly not as bothered by the whole ordeal.
A fifth tweeted: "Also people who are like 'I'm not joining Threads because I can't delete it without deleting my Instagram account!' Umm.. so?
"Nothing is ever deleted whether you delete it or not anyway. It lives forever. Y'all are just now realizing everything on the internet [sic] is forever?"
Instagram head Adam Mosseri has since issued an update on the matter clarifying the confusion surrounding account deletion.
He wrote: "I've been getting some questions about deleting your account.
"To clarify, you can deactivate your Threads account, which hides your Threads profile and content, you can set your profile to private, and you can delete individual threads posts - all without deleting your Instagram account."
Mosseri continued: "Threads is powered by Instagram, so right now it's just one account, but we're looking into a way to delete your Threads account separately."
Threads has been available to download as of yesterday (6 July).
Topics: Facebook, Instagram, Mark Zuckerberg, News, Social Media, Technology, Twitter, Threads
Rhiannon Ingle