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Meta Security: How Will Meta’s New Threads App Hold Up Against Competitors?
Meta security will be one of the biggest contributing factors in its success against its competitors. Meta, formerly known as Facebook, has recently launched a new app called Threads.
In the whirlwind of data security concerns and other complaints regarding apps like Twitter and Facebook, Threads has made its debut at a particularly strategic time. But how has Meta security improved with Threads? And what can other app developers and business owners learn from these wildly successful apps when it comes to data security?
Meta’s New Threads App
Threads is Meta’s attempt to stay ahead of the curve in terms of innovative features and applications. It is a microblogging app similar to Twitter except that its emphasis is on close connections—communication primarily with a user’s circle of close friends.
Amid growing complaints about new owner Elon Musk’s changes to the Twitter app, Threads has a good opportunity to poach unsatisfied users (and advertisers). But the launch of Threads is also a response to the scrutiny surrounding Meta security and data privacy particularly in light of a recent Facebook lawsuit. Meta has since emphasized its commitment to addressing these concerns and enhancing user privacy.
Threads is intended to be that promise in action by providing users with a secure and private messaging experience. But only time will tell.
Twitter’s Downfalls
Threads’ similarity to Twitter makes it a clear rival that threatens its success. According to Mike Isaac from The New York Times, Twitter’s lawyers have called for legal action against Meta for using trade secrets from its former employees. But, according to Meta spokesman Andy Stone, no former Twitter engineers worked on Threads. So these claims are not likely to hold up.
Among users’ complaints are lax content moderation, an increase in outages and bugs, a 600-tweet view limit, and a recent data breach that leaked 230 million Twitter accounts. Threads attempts to satisfy Twitter users’ search for a better alternative.
Meta Security Concerns
Twitter isn’t the only social platform with strikes against it. Mark Zukerberg’s social network has recently been criticized by regulators, activists, and users for how the company handles data. Consequently, Threads is Meta’s attempt to build on its commitment to provide users with a secure and private messaging experience.
For example, by allowing users to create customized lists of close friends, Meta aims to create a more intimate and private space for conversations. This focus on a limited and trusted network can potentially reduce the risk of privacy breaches and unauthorized access to personal information.
Threads is connected to Instagram, meaning users need to have an Instagram account to be able to sign up for Threads. In this way, Threads is able to keep users safe by “enforcing Instagram’s community guidelines and providing tools to control who can mention or reply to users,” explains Kari Paul.
Additionally, Threads incorporates end-to-end encryption, a feature that has become increasingly important in the realm of messaging apps. End-to-end encryption ensures that only the intended recipients can access the messages, making it nearly impossible for anyone, including Meta, to intercept or read the content. By adopting this level of encryption, Threads aligns itself with other popular messaging apps like WhatsApp, which has a reputation for its privacy-focused approach.
However, there are still questions circulating about Meta security and privacy policies which could affect Threads’ long-term success. Threads could collect a wide range of personal information, including health, financial, contacts, browsing and search history, location data, purchases, etc. As a result, Threads won’t be introduced in the European Union because the app does not meet its strict privacy standards.
How to Verify Data to Improve Account Security
Meta and Twitter have both proposed paid subscription tiers that come with verification and better features. But you can curb attempts by hackers to change your account’s password by turning on two-factor authentication (2FA), and you should be wary of phishing attempts that ask for personal information via email.
As a business owner or app developer, it’s important that you avoid unethical data sharing practices and data breaches. It is your responsibility to keep customer data safe and secure. How? There are a number of precautions you can take when it comes to data security.
Customer Authentication
First is customer authentication. This means that users need to verify data when attempting to access their accounts. It could be a PIN or password, it could be security questions, or it could be a one-time passcode (OTP) sent to their phone.
However, it is your responsibility to put these measures into place. How strong do you require users’ passwords to be? Do you provide users with the option to set up security questions? Do you have users’ phone numbers verified for 2FA to work?
Clean Data Regularly
Second, you want to make sure that your user data is always up-to-date. This will help ensure user privacy and prevent data breaches. You want to make sure that any user signing up for your product or service isn’t an impersonator. You also want to make sure you don’t accidentally contact the wrong person with important account details. A data append tool makes it quick and easy to update your entire list of database records, so there’s no excuse not to update your data at least a couple of times a year.
Establish Data-Handling Policies
Additionally, you want to clearly define company-wide data-handling processes and procedures. This should include everything from what data is collected, for what purposes data is collected, how long the data is stored, and who has access to that data. Then, train all employees regarding proper data-handling procedures. Forward the information to any vendors or third parties and obtain their agreement to comply.
It’s also a good idea to share these policies with users to help build trust. Users want to know how their data is used if they are asked to share it. And you want to try to give users as many chances to opt in and out of as many permissions as possible to provide them with a sense of control over their data.
Be Organized
Finally, make sure you always work with updated software, back up data, require and use strong passwords across the company, and encrypt data when possible. Encrypting data is like putting a lock in it. If you happen to experience a data breach where hackers gain access to user data, the encryption makes it useless if the perpetrator can’t unlock it.
Meta Security Could Make or Break Threads—How’s Your Data Security?
As users eagerly download this new app, it’s crucial to assess how Meta security will fare against its competitors with the launch of Threads. Privacy has been a prime concern for social media users, and Meta has faced its fair share of criticism on this front. To compete with its competitors effectively, Meta will need to convince users that Threads offers comparable or superior security measures while providing a seamless user experience.
Meta’s reputation regarding user privacy will undoubtedly impact the initial adoption of Threads. The company’s track record, including past data breaches and controversies surrounding user data, has left many users skeptical.
To regain user trust, Meta must be transparent about its data collection practices, implement strict security measures, and provide users with control over their data. Demonstrating a commitment to privacy and being proactive in addressing any concerns will be vital for Meta to succeed in the competitive messaging app market.
While its integration with Instagram offers convenience and a certain level of privacy, it also raises concerns about data sharing between the two platforms. Meta will need to ensure that user data is adequately protected and that the integration does not compromise the privacy measures implemented in Threads.
But privacy concerns aren’t limited to big names like Threads and Twitter. Any company that handles user data has a responsibility for ensuring that it remains private and secure.
This means that users are offered transparency when it comes to what data is collected, how it is used, and who has access to it. It also means that there are verification processes in place to keep users’ accounts from being hacked. Finally, it means that no third parties gain access to user data without the user’s explicit permission.
Start increasing your data security and verify data today!
