Threads, the new social media app from Meta, the company formerly known as Facebook, is facing criticism for blocking searches for “coronavirus”, “Covid”, and other pandemic-related terms.
The app, which was launched in July 2023, claims to be a platform for “open and honest conversations” but has been accused of censoring information about the ongoing health crisis.
Read also: Threads introduces much-anticipated search feature
Threads’ search function is limited
Threads is a spin-off app from Meta’s Instagram, which allows users to share photos, videos, and messages with their close friends. The app also has a public feed where users can post and view content from anyone on the platform. Threads recently introduced a keyword search feature that lets users find posts related to their interests. However, the search function does not provide results for keywords that may show potentially sensitive content, such as “coronavirus”, “Covid”, “Covid-19”, and “vaccine”. Instead, users see a blank page with the text: “No results”. The app also offers a link to the CDC’s website on Covid-19 or vaccinations, depending on the search term.
A Meta spokesperson told CNN that the company just began rolling out keyword search for Threads to additional countries last week. “The search functionality temporarily doesn’t provide results for keywords that may show potentially sensitive content,” the statement added. “People will be able to search for keywords such as ‘COVID’ in future updates once we are confident in the quality of the results.” Meta did not disclose what other keyword searches currently yield no results.
Threads’ decision sparks backlash
Threads’ decision to block coronavirus-related searches on its service comes as the United States deals with a recent uptick in Covid-19 hospitalizations, per CDC data, and more than three years into the global pandemic. The move has sparked backlash from users and experts who accuse the app of hiding important information and preventing users from accessing reliable sources.
News of Threads blocking searches related to the coronavirus was first reported by The Washington Post. The report quoted several users who expressed frustration and disappointment with the app’s policy. One user said that he was looking for posts about Covid-19 testing and vaccination sites in his area, but was unable to find any results on Threads. Another user said that he wanted to see how other people were coping with the pandemic, but felt that Threads was limiting his options.
Some experts also criticized Threads for its lack of transparency and accountability. Jennifer Grygiel, an assistant professor of communications at Syracuse University, said that Threads was “creating an information vacuum” by blocking searches for coronavirus-related terms. She said that the app should provide clear guidelines and explanations for its content moderation policies and allow users to report or flag misleading or harmful posts. She also said that Threads should work with public health authorities and experts to ensure that its search function provides accurate and up-to-date information about the pandemic.
Threads users decline significantly despite initial surge in sign-ups
Threads struggles to compete with other social media platforms
Threads is one of Meta’s latest attempts to attract younger users who are increasingly turning away from its main Facebook app. The app was launched in July 2023 and quickly garnered more than 100 million sign-ups in its first week on the heels of months of chaos at Twitter, which is now known as X. But much of the buzz faded somewhat in the weeks that followed as users realized the bare-bones platform still lacked many of the features that made X popular with users.
Threads released its much-requested web version late last month and its keyword search about a week ago. But the current limitations around its search function highlight how the platform still has some kinks to work through before it can fully replace the real-time search and engagement experience that social media users have historically relied on with X.
Meta’s Facebook and other social media platforms faced controversy in the early part of the pandemic for the apparent spread of COVID-19-related misinformation online. Meta has since taken steps to combat false or misleading information about the virus and vaccines on its platforms, such as adding labels, warnings, and fact-checks to posts. However, some critics argue that Meta’s efforts are not enough and that the company still prioritizes profits over public health.
Meta users are also eagerly waiting for Horizon, the company’s ambitious metaverse project that aims to create a virtual reality platform where people can interact, work, play, and socialize. Horizon is expected to launch in 2024 and will integrate Meta’s existing apps and services, such as Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Oculus, and Threads. However, Horizon also faces challenges such as privacy, security, regulation, and competition from other tech giants such as Microsoft, Google, Amazon, and Apple.