Threads like Twitter introduces rate limits to combat spam bots

Threads is making a big change as it continues to grow exponentially as an alternative to Twitter but what’s certain is that the Threads and Twitter drama is far from over. Now it seems even Meta’s new app isn’t immune to the problem of bots and spam. Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri took to the micro-blogging platform to announce that they would be implementing rate limits to combat bots.

Image Distinctions: Threads

The announcement about Threads comes just weeks after Twitter announced the implementation of rate limits on its platform at the beginning of July, and the decision was said to address extreme levels of data scraping and system manipulation by emerging AI startups, according to Elon Musk.

Sharing a screenshot of Adam Mosseri’s announcement, one user said, “It’s even more over than previously thought possible.”

To this Elon Musk replied, “Lmaoo. Copy [cat emoji].”

After viewing limits were placed on Twitter, backlash ensued and Meta used the opportunity to launch its competing platform we now know as Threads. In less than a week, Threads had over 100M users sign up to the platform making a clear case that people were seeking an alternative to Twitter.

The most prolific Threads users may face limits on their ability to use the app and view posts. However, unlike Twitter’s hard limits on viewable posts, Mosseri is suggesting that people reach out if they start to experience this problem. That sounds like the Threads team is prepared to work with legitimate users to not negatively impact their experience.

Threads makes it easy for users to sign up as all you need is an Instagram account. Usernames are transferred over and followers are alerted when someone has enabled their Threads profile. Despite the viewing limits imposed on Threads users, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg says he’s “very optimistic about how the Threads community is coming together.”

…early growth was off the charts, but more importantly 10s of millions of people now come back daily. That’s way ahead of what we expected. The focus for the rest of the year is improving the basics and retention. It’ll take time to stabilize, but once we nail that, then we’ll focus on growing the community. We’ve run this playbook many times (FB, IG, Stories, Reels, etc) and I’m confident Threads is on a good path too.

Mark Zuckerberg