Instagram's Threads messaging app introduces Hidden Words, an automated filtering tool similar to Instagram's content moderation.
On Thursday, Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri said Hidden Words will screen offensive language, phrases, and representations in "Following" and "For You" feeds, search results, profiles, and post responses.
Users can add or remove words from their Hidden Words settings in Threads. They can turn this functionality on or off at will.
Threads is also testing notification controls, such as muting post-interactions. According to a report from The Verge, a new tool in testing lets users choose who cites their articles and withdraw them.
In 2016, Instagram empowered users to filter out comments and then extended the feature to direct messaging.
Like Instagram, Threads allow for post-reply management, content screening, and word muting. Posters may select who can comment and mention them in Threads, replies, and biographies.
The social media platform also tests a function to archive posts, automatically hiding older content from profiles.
This move comes as Threads, launched in July last year, continues its impressive performance. At Meta's Q1 2024 earnings call, CEO Mark Zuckerberg disclosed that Threads had 150 million monthly active users, up from 130 million in February.
Threads Sustains Momentum
In Meta's quarterly financial report, Zuckerberg expressed satisfaction with Threads' growth, which is as expected. Since February, the Twitter rival has added 20 million subscribers.
Threads' steady growth rate suggests a stable and growing user base, even though launch-phase downloads have dropped. Zuckerberg suggested that Threads might become Meta's next billion-user platform despite initial engagement issues.
Meta's Q1 2024 financial results were positive, as were Threads'. Family daily active persons (DAP) on Meta's applications rose 7% to 3.24 billion in March 2024, as previously reported by TechTimes
Hate Speech Accusations Against Meta
Notably, GLAAD accused Meta's Facebook, Instagram, and Threads of hosting 'extreme' anti-trans hate material last month.
The group claims Meta has violated its standards by not enforcing its platform content guidelines. Meta is under investigation for failing to enforce LGBTQ-friendly standards and ensuring community safety online despite past assurances.
GLAAD's latest analysis shows Meta's platforms host anti-LGBTQ and anti-trans hate material despite business promises to promote equality online. This complaint follows GLAAD's June 2023 open letter to Meta about LGBTQ-hate content on their platforms.
Meta responded with major rule revisions and community-building initiatives, but GLAAD claims that nine months later, the corporation has failed to enforce these rules, notably with transgender hatred.
According to GLAAD's report, the Meta Oversight Board previously criticized Meta for failing to safeguard LGBTQ users on its platforms.
