Instagram Threads Account Portability: No Timeline Shared

The Status of Threads' Integration with the Fediverse

The question of whether Instagram Threads will genuinely integrate with the fediverse – the decentralized, open social web – remains unanswered. Will users be able to connect with individuals on platforms like Mastodon, and will they have the option to transfer their accounts if Meta’s policies become unfavorable? Currently, a definitive response is unavailable.

Meta has not yet confirmed whether or when features enabling account portability will be incorporated into Threads’ development plans, nor has it provided a timeline for full federation.

Shifting Priorities at Meta

Meta’s current reluctance to prioritize account portability coincides with significant changes within the company. A recent announcement detailed the discontinuation of its fact-checking program, replaced by a crowdsourced Community Notes system, mirroring that of X.

Furthermore, content moderation rules are being relaxed, and a system that previously penalized misinformation by reducing its visibility is being deactivated, as reported by Platformer. These alterations may lead users to reconsider their association with Meta and potentially seek alternative platforms – a possibility Threads has indicated it will eventually accommodate.

User Migration to Alternative Platforms

Interestingly, a growing number of Gen Z users are actively seeking alternatives to Meta’s dominance in social media. Rather than returning to Instagram Reels in anticipation of a potential TikTok ban in the U.S., they are flocking to RedNote (Xiaohongshu), a Chinese social network.

As of this week, approximately 700,000 TikTok users have joined RedNote, simultaneously expressing humorous farewells to their “Chinese spy” app on TikTok itself.

Threads: Joining or Dominating the Fediverse?

Threads was initially presented as a shift in Meta’s strategy, signaling a move to participate in, rather than compete with, the open social web. However, concerns have been raised regarding the sincerity of Meta’s intentions.

Critics suggest that Meta may be attempting to dominate the fediverse by rapidly establishing itself as the largest federated client, potentially controlling its future trajectory.

Progress and Remaining Hurdles

Despite these concerns, Meta has implemented several integrations with the fediverse on Threads. These include the ability to cross-post to Mastodon and view replies from Mastodon users directly within the Threads interface.

The company has also invested in user education, providing guides and explanations about the fediverse within both the Threads app and on the web.

However, a crucial element for a truly federated app is the implementation of account portability. This allows users to migrate their accounts to different servers without losing their connections, followers, bookmarks, or lists.

Meta's Stated Intentions

During a December 2023 meeting between Meta representatives and members of the fediverse community, Meta conveyed that user concerns about Meta “owning” their followers were a key driver behind its move towards the fediverse.

Attendee Tom Coates summarized the discussion, noting that Meta expressed a desire to integrate with the fediverse to address these concerns regarding users’ social graphs.

Coates wrote that Meta wanted to ensure users had the “ability to know that if they needed to they could move elsewhere,” while also acknowledging that this may not represent the complete picture.

Current Roadmap Uncertainty

Given Meta’s recent policy changes regarding fact-checking and moderation, it was a pertinent time to inquire about its progress on the fediverse agenda, particularly concerning account portability.

However, a Meta spokesperson could not confirm whether account portability was even on the Threads roadmap, or when it might be addressed.

The spokesperson stated that account portability remains “top of mind as we continue our fediverse integration,” but offered “no additional details on the roadmap or timing at the moment.”

Prioritizing User Retention

While Meta may still intend to eventually implement account portability, it appears to be a lower priority, as the company currently focuses on retaining its user base. Threads has experienced significant growth, reaching 300 million monthly active users, an increase from 275 million in November, and boasts 100 million daily active users.

Note: This article was updated to reflect the correct number of TikTok users joining RedNote, which is 700,000, not 700 million.