Instagram launches 'Threads' messaging app for chatting with close friends

Instagram has long been providing the option to add followers into a list of 'close friends' and share stories only with them.

Now, taking this a notch up, the company has launched Threads - a platform to interact with those on the close friends' list.

It shows direct messages and group chats but only from close friends, not other followers.

The launch screen of Threads is a camera that lets you capture photos/videos (without filters) for sharing with friends. You can even add shortcuts of select friends on the bottom of the camera for instant sharing.

The second screen of the service lists the direct messages of close friends, meaning there won't be too many conversations to go through in this particular section.

While the camera and messages sections are normal, it is the third screen that has raised privacy alarms - Status.

Here, you can update what you're up to. But, the weird part is, it not just lets you type/select pre-populated statuses but also uses device information to 'auto-update' your status.

Now, this is scary, even if the information is limited to close friends.

When enabled, auto-update uses the location, movement, battery level of your phone to determine a context for what you may be up to.

It updates the status as you go about your life throughout the day. This means it could use your phone's motion data or precise location to show your friends that you're "On the Move" or "At a cafe".

The working of auto-update is troubling for some users, particularly those who are aware of the Facebook's (Instagram's parent company) recent privacy scandals.

However, the company says it will take explicit permission before this feature is enabled and show what device information will be used.

It also adds that precise location data, like cafe's name, will not be shared with friends in any case.