THREADS LIFTING COVID SEARCH BLOCK UNCERTAIN, FOCUS ON WAR MISINFORMATION

Meta reveals new Threads push through Facebook after temporary COVID search ban

Meta is integrating Threads content into Facebook and Instagram feeds, showing Threads posts to users on these platforms to increase exposure and encourage sign-ups. This comes as the company aims to boost Threads' user base against competitors like X, formerly known as Twitter.
Threads, created by Instagram and owned by Meta, currently does not provide users with an option to opt out of their posts appearing across the various Meta-owned social media platforms. Some users have expressed discomfort with their posts showing on platforms they are not active on.
In a move to manage content responsibly, Threads has temporarily blocked COVID-related search terms as the company focuses on combating misinformation about the war in Israel and Gaza. There is currently no specific timeline for when these search terms will be reinstated.
Meta has received criticism for the role it played in spreading misinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic. The company, however, has recently been praised for its measures to curb misinformation, including forming an operations center comprising Arabic and Hebrew speaking experts to monitor hate speech and misleading content.
While Threads has introduced several features like a free edit button and easy account switching, the platform has been critiqued for its limitations in news follow-ups, as no breaking news is posted on Threads. Instagram head, Adam Mosseri, has confirmed that Threads will not amplify news.