So, #Threads launched: https://about.fb.com/news/2023/07/introducing-threads-new-app-text-sharing/

I don't need an account, just like I don't need a Gmail account, because (once they federate), my existing Fediverse account will work fine to interact with them.

I see a whole lot of weird assumptions/accusations/misunderstanding about Threads and similar. That's not how federation works; and we have some good exising comparison/evidence from things like Gmail vs small email players.

Having Facebook/Instagram/Threads federated just means I can follow people that use those services and see their messages and interactions. It does not mean that Meta will send me adverts, algorithm-feeds, or anything like that; I just see the friend I followed (same as any other Fediverse account).

Well, I mean they *could* technically start spamming me with fake messages from my friend that contains adverts (just like Gmail could start sending out spam to email accounts around the world). But why would they? That would get them blacklisted.

That's not how they make money. Meta (like Gmail) doesn't make money by sending spam; they make money from showing adverts, feeds, etc to *their* users. So, my friend (on Threads) will be the one seeing all the adverts, algorithm feeds, etc. Adding federation might make them more likely to stay (because they can now also see my), but won't affect my feed.

Threads will compete with other fediverse sites by offering a better client, better search, wider apps, and additional features (because of a larger dev team), just like Gmail does for email -- but at a price of showing *their* users adverts, etc (or charging).

So each user has a choice: use Gmail/Threads with features but at the cost of adverts, or you a small/your own fediverse/email server.

The benefit of federation is that each user has the #freedom to make that choice, yet they can still communicate with each other.