Threads Privacy Setup: A 2025 Technical Guide for Users Under 25

My Privacy Blog

15 Feb 2025 — 9 min read

Meta’s Threads has rapidly evolved into a hub for real-time conversations, but its deep integration with Instagram and Meta’s broader ecosystem demands careful privacy configuration. This guide breaks down Threads’ 2025 privacy architecture, offering actionable steps to control data sharing, content visibility, and cross-platform interactions.

1. Account Integration

Instagram Connection & Profile Syncing

Threads requires an Instagram account for sign-up, creating a linked profile with shared settings:

Username/Follower Sync: Your Instagram handle and bio automatically transfer to Threads.
Age-Based Defaults: Accounts for users under 16 default to private; those 16+ default to public but can toggle privacy.

Critical Adjustment:

Navigate to Profile > Settings > Privacy > Private Account to restrict posts to approved followers.
Note: Changing Instagram’s privacy settings automatically updates Threads.

Cross-Posting Privacy

Threads allows cross-posting content to and from Instagram/Facebook, but granular controls exist:

Manual Sharing:
- Toggle Share to Threads when posting on Instagram/Facebook (image posts only).
- Disable under Advanced Settings to prevent accidental sharing.
Auto-Sharing:
- Enable via Settings > Account > Cross-Posting (risky for sensitive content).

Fediverse Beta:

Users in the US/Canada/Japan can cross-post to Mastodon via Settings > Account > Fediverse Sharing.
Posts become decentralized; Threads cannot delete content once federated.

Profile Visibility

Public Profiles:
- Appear in search results and recommendations.
- Indexed by Google/Bing unless blocked via Settings > Privacy > Search Engine Visibility.
Private Profiles:
- Require follower approval.
- Hide posts from non-followers and Threads’ "For You" algorithm.

Workaround: Use pseudonyms in bios to avoid real-name exposure in public accounts.

Activity Status Management

Threads’ 2024 update added real-time Online Status indicators:

Enable/Disable:
1. Settings > Privacy > Online Status > Toggle Off.
Visibility Rules:
- Private accounts: Only followers see the green dot.
- Public accounts: All users see activity unless disabled.

Risk: Stalkers/harassers may exploit this feature—disable if safety is a concern.

2. Content Controls

Reply & Mention Settings

Reply Permissions:
- Anyone: Open to all (default for public accounts).
- Profiles You Follow: Limits interactions to trusted users.
- Mentioned Only: Restricts replies to tagged accounts.
  Adjust via ⋮ > Who Can Reply before posting.
Mention Filters:
1. Settings > Privacy > Mentions > Select: Everyone/Followers/No One.
2. Add blocked keywords (Hidden Words) to auto-filter @mentions containing slurs or spam.

Direct Sharing:
- Disable resharing via ⋮ > Disable Reposts on individual posts.
- Limit quote posts to Followers Only under Settings > Privacy.
Link Previews:
Strip tracking parameters using tools like ClearURLs before posting links.

Block/Mute Features

Block:
- Prevents users from viewing your profile or interacting with content.
- Access via Profile > ⋮ > Block.
Mute:
- Silences accounts without notification.
- Manage muted words/phrases under Settings > Privacy > Hidden Words.

Pro Tip: Use Restrict to shadowban trolls—they can comment, but only they see their messages.

3. Data Management

Threads collects:

Usage Data: Posts liked, accounts followed, time spent.
Device Info: IP address, OS version, battery level.
Cross-App Activity: Interactions with Facebook/Instagram ads.

Opt-Out Tools:

Meta Accounts Center > Your Information > Off-Meta Activity > Disconnect.
Settings > Ads > Ad Preferences > Disable Personalized Ads.

Ad Preferences

Interest-Based Targeting:
- Review/remove categories under Settings > Ads > Interest Categories.
Political Ads:
Block under Settings > Ads > Ad Topics > Sensitive Subjects.

2025 Update: Threads began testing image ads in the US/Japan—opt out via Ad Settings.

Activity Tracking

Clear History:
1. Settings > Privacy > Clear Search History.
2. Settings > Privacy > Clear Watch History (video posts).
Pause Tracking:
Toggle off History & Activity to stop real-time data collection.

Data Export & Deletion

Download Data:
1. Settings > Account > Download Data > Request .ZIP file (includes messages, posts, metadata).
Auto-Delete:
Set posts to vanish after 30/90 days via Settings > Privacy > Auto-Delete.

4. Safety Features

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Enable:
1. Settings > Security > Two-Factor Authentication.
2. Use Authenticator App (Google/Microsoft) over SMS.
Recovery Codes:
Generate backup codes in case of device loss.

Reporting & Moderation

In-App Reporting:
- ⋮ > Report for harassment, misinformation, or CSAM.
- Escalate to NCMEC for exploitative content.
AI Moderation:
Threads’ 2025 Safety Assist auto-flags hate speech using NLP.

Best Practices for 2025

Audit Monthly: Review active sessions, third-party app access, and ad preferences.
Limit Cross-Posting: Avoid auto-sharing to prevent accidental data leaks.
VPN Usage: Mask IP addresses to avoid location-based tracking.
Educate: Train teams on phishing scams (e.g., fake "Meta Support" DMs).

By mastering these settings, younger users can leverage Threads’ social potential while maintaining control over their digital footprint. For activists or marginalized communities, combining Private Profiles with Fediverse Sharing offers a balance of reach and safety.

Final Note: Threads’ 2025 updates prioritize real-time engagement but introduce privacy trade-offs. Stay vigilant—Meta frequently rolls out features like Encrypted DMs (beta) and AI Content Labels, which may require settings adjustments. Regularly consult Meta’s Privacy Hub for policy changes.

Threads Privacy Setup: A 2025 Technical Guide for Users Under 25

My Privacy Blog