What information does Threads collect on you?

Mark Zuckerberg is a prominent figure in the technology industry and co-founder of Facebook, one of the world’s largest social media platforms. Born on May 14, 1984, in White Plains, New York, he developed a passion for computers and programming at an early age. He attended Harvard University, where he co-founded Facebook in 2004 with his college roommates Andrew McCollum, Eduardo Saverin, Chris Hughes, and Dustin Moskovitz.

Originally called “The Facebook,” the platform started as a social networking website exclusively for Harvard students but quickly expanded to other universities and eventually to the general public. Under Zuckerberg’s leadership, Facebook revolutionized the way people communicate, connect, and share information online, becoming one of the most influential and successful tech companies in the world.

Throughout the years, Mark Zuckerberg has played a significant role in shaping the direction of Facebook. He has been the face of the company, overseeing its growth and numerous acquisitions, including Instagram and WhatsApp. However, Facebook has faced controversies over issues like user privacy, data breaches, and concerns about the spread of misinformation on the platform.

Zuckerberg has been both praised for his vision and criticized for the power and influence he wields over the platform and its vast user base. He has been involved in various philanthropic efforts, such as the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, which he co-founded with his wife, Priscilla Chan, to focus on social and scientific causes, including education, healthcare, and scientific research.

Over the years, Zuckerberg has appeared before congressional hearings to address concerns about Facebook’s practices and has taken steps to address some of the platform’s challenges. As a high-profile tech entrepreneur and billionaire, he remains a prominent figure in the tech industry and continues to shape the future of social media and online communication.

The launch of Threads has already made Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta Platforms, $61 billion richer. The company’s shares have seen an increase of nearly 3% since the new social network went live, a surge that has helped boost the fortune of the Facebook creator.

What information does Threads collect on you?

Zuckerberg reported that the app achieved unprecedented success, attracting 10 million registrations within the initial seven hours of its debut. In his inaugural post, Meta’s CEO enthusiastically welcomed users to Threads, saying “Let’s do this. Welcome to Threads”.

Notably, Threads already boasts a prominent user base, including well-known personalities like Jennifer Lopez, Kim Kardashian, and Ellen DeGeneres. The company aims to capitalize on its extensive user network and prior advertising expertise to monetize the novel platform.

 The expectation for Threads is that Twitter users will migrate to the new social network, given that Elon Musk’s management is not pleasing everyone. Hence, this is an opportune moment to launch a new social network, especially one considerably similar to Twitter.

“Let’s take what Instagram does best and expand it to text, creating a positive and creative space to express your ideas,” Meta announced during the launch. “Just like on Instagram, with Threads, you can follow and connect with friends and creators who share your interests, including those you follow on Instagram and beyond.”

Regarding Zuckerberg, his fortune has surged from $64.4 billion (R$ 313 billion) to the current $105 billion (R$ 510.3 billion), mainly from his 13% stake in Meta. Once again ranking among the world’s top 10 richest people, Zuckerberg experienced the most significant proportional increase in wealth compared to other members in just over half a year.

What information does Threads collect on you?

A survey by the Núcleo Jornalismo website shows that Mark Zuckerberg’s social media platforms are the primary collectors of personal information today, surpassing even platforms like Google and Twitter.

The first point of attention in Meta’s data collection is sensitive user information, including details such as sexual orientation, ethnicity, pregnancy status, political beliefs, and religious beliefs. This information may also be sent to “service providers” or “analytics partners,” which could include third-party marketing companies.

Just like Facebook and Instagram, Threads also collects information about employment, professional history, health, and physical fitness. By accepting Meta’s terms of use, users also agree to provide location information—even if the device’s GPS is deactivated—and web activity data. This means all their searches and activities outside apps like Facebook.

Mark Zuckerberg’s platforms also gather device data, such as what you are doing on the device, mouse movements, and even battery level.