Threads Blocks Broad Search Terms to Curb Misinformation, But Critics Worry it Stifles Access to Credible Information

Threads blocks searches for "potentially sensitive" words like "covid", "vaccines", etc. to avoid spreading misinformation.
It's a more aggressive approach than Meta has taken before, usually only limiting specific hashtags.
Blocking all covid-related terms prohibits searching for credible info and resources too.
Shows Meta rushed Threads development - launched just 5 months after engineers started.
Unclear how Threads will moderate content that looks very different from Instagram.

engadget.com

Relevant topic timeline:

9/7/2023

Threads rolls out keyword search to connect users with communities in US, Canada, UK and other countries

Meta's Threads is introducing a keyword search feature in several countries, including the United States, making it the first major competitor to Twitter to integrate this highly requested tool, potentially posing more challenges for Elon Musk's struggling social media platform.