Twitter is a popular social media platform that allows users to share their thoughts, ideas, and content with the world. One very popular feature that Twitter offers is the ability to create and share threads. Twitter threads are a series of tweets that are linked together to tell a story or share information. However, Meta recently launched a new social platform called Threads. According to CNN, Threads looks a lot like Twitter, which has a text-based user interface. Although users of this app can post images or videos, the emphasis is on text just like Twitter. Elon Musk and the CEO of Twitter have openly shown their displeasure over the launch of Threads which it claims is a copy of Twitter. NBC reported that Elon Musk is threatening to sue Twitter.
Conflict between Twitter and Meta
Meta launched Threads and the app now has over 100 million signups. According to Reuters, Threads was the top free app on Apple’s App Store in the UK and US on Thursday. However, Elon Musk, the owner of Twitter has been throwing jabs on Twitter. In a recent tweet about the logo of Threads, a user claims that the Threads Logo looks like a tapeworm and Musk replied “Metaphorically too.”
Twitter’s attorney stated
Twitter “intends to strictly enforce its intellectual property rights and demands that Meta take immediate steps to stop using any Twitter trade secrets or other highly confidential information,”
According to Spiro, Meta employees had the task of using Twitter’s trade secrets in developing the competing app. This he also claims is in violation of both state and federal laws. However, a spokesperson for Meta, Andy Stone claims that there is no such thing because Meta did not hire former Twitter employees.
In a show of his displeasure over Meta’s launch of Threads, Elon Musk wrote on his Twitter handle
“Competition is fine, cheating is not,”
The statement means that Elon Musk considers the new Thread app from Meta as a cheat. However, Meta thinks otherwise. Elon Musk’s lawyer, Alex Spiro, wrote to Meta and said that the Facebook owner engaged in ‘systematic’ and ‘unlawful misappropriation’ of trade secrets. However, Andy Stone, Meta’s communications director replied by saying “No one on the Threads engineering team is a former Twitter employee,”.
Linda Yaccarino claims Thread is not a threat to Twitter
Twitter’s new CEO Linda Yaccarino, like her boss Elon Musk, has said in a series of tweets that Twitter is irreplaceable and that everything is going well. She wrote: “On Twitter, every voice counts. Whether you’re here to witness history, discover real-time information from around the globe, share your opinion, or get to know others — on Twitter, you can be your authentic self. You built the Twitter community, it’s irreplaceable, it’s your public square. We’re often imitated – but the Twitter community can never be replicated.”
She has been attempting to convince people that Twitter cannot be replaced by Threads. However, it appears that the company will take appropriate measures to ensure that it stays ahead. While the tension between Meta Threads and Twitter persists, the latter is now blocking Threads links in its search results. Some reports claim that Twitter is weary that the Threads launch will lead to a decline in Twitter’s traffic. However, in a series of tweets, Twitter’s CEO, Linda Yaccarino downplayed reports of traffic decline. In a recent tweet, she said
Gizchina News of the week
“Don’t want to leave you hanging by a thread… but Twitter, you really outdid yourselves! Last week we had our largest usage day since February. There’s only ONE Twitter. You know it. I know it”.
Elon Musk, responding to Linda Yaccarino’s tweet, said.
“Usage is through the roof. All those articles are just trying to pull us down. Twitter is better than it’s ever been.”
Twitter blocks Threads links in searches
According to 9to5mac, Twitter is selectively blocking searches for tweets that link to Threads while allowing posting Thread URLs (for now). This means that users who are trying to find links to Threads using the URL: search operator are finding zero results. This issue has caused confusion and frustration among users who depend on Twitter for finding and sharing information.
Currently, Twitter has not completely blocked Threads links. Users can post a Threads link on Twitter, and it will show normally. But as developer Andy Baio discovered, searching for them on Twitter doesn’t yield results, and many people have reported this.
Another developer, Derek Kepner, found a workaround – just remove the dots from the URL. In other words, prefix your search term with url:’threads net’. If you want to limit your search to people you follow on Twitter, add a filter (url:”threads net” filter: follows).
This is not the first time Twitter has tried to block links to competing platforms. Earlier this year Twitter began restricting tweets with links to Substack newsletters (the restriction was later lifted).
What is the reason for Twitter blocking searches for Threads?
At the moment, the reason for Twitter’s action is unclear. However, Techcrunch and Wccftech claim that Twitter may be concerned about a potential decline in its traffic following the launch of Threads. 9to5mac also claims that Twitter Search blocks are affecting Threads by selectively blocking searches for tweets that link to Threads.
Final Words
Twitter is a powerful tool for sharing information and connecting with others. However, after Meta launched its new app, Threads, top executives at Twitter have not been happy about it. Elon Musk the owner of Twitter, Linda Yaccarino, Twitter’s CEO and Elon Musk’s lawyer have openly expressed their displeasure over Threads launch claiming that it’s a copy of Twitter. However, Meta has responded that Threads have nothing to do with Twitter. In response to the exchange of words, Twitter is now blocking the search for Thread in Twitter Search. It is likely that Twitter and Meta will meet in court over the launch of Threads, as there are already claims and counterclaims from both sides.
Author Bio
Efe Udin is a seasoned tech writer with over a decade of experience covering a wide range of topics in the tech industry. From mobile phones to tablets, Efe has kept a keen eye on the latest advancements and trends, providing insightful analysis and reviews to inform and educate readers.
However, Efe’s true passion lies in exploring the intersection of technology, politics, and brand feuds. With an astute understanding of the power dynamics and competitive landscape within the tech world, Efe delves into the intricacies of how technology influences political discourse and how brand rivalries shape the industry.
Through thought-provoking articles and in-depth research, Efe Udin brings a unique perspective to the table, shedding light on the often-overlooked aspects of tech politics and brand feuds. With a commitment to providing unbiased and well-researched content, Efe aims to engage readers and foster meaningful discussions on the ever-evolving landscape of technology and its societal impacts.
