Twitter’s search function is facing scrutiny once again, as it seems to be limiting the visibility of links to its rival platform, Threads. This development comes after Elon Musk openly criticized Twitter and its CEO, Mark Zuckerberg. The Verge reported that Twitter’s search results are being restricted for tweets containing links to Threads posts. This limitation could make it more challenging for users to access the newest platform developed by Zuckerberg.
Typically, users can search for specific websites on Twitter by entering URL: followed by the website they want to find. For example, entering URL:Facebook.com would display results related to Facebook. However, the same approach does not work for Threads. Andy Baio, a Threads user, pointed out that searching for Threads links using the format URL:Threads.net yields no results. When Insider attempted the same search, they also found no relevant results.
Interestingly, searching for just Threads.net without the URL: prefix shows unrelated tweets from users who include their Threads accounts in their display names. It also displays tweets discussing the platform without any actual links. Neither Twitter nor Meta, its parent company, have responded to requests for comment on this issue.
Currently, there is a workaround for users wishing to find Threads links on Twitter. The Verge suggests searching URL:threads net with a space between the words threads and net. While this method allows for more targeted searches, it is not an ideal user experience. This situation raises questions about Twitter’s motives and intentions regarding rival platforms.
Although neither Twitter nor Elon Musk have addressed this matter directly, past events might shed some light on their stance. This is not the first time Twitter has restricted search results for competing platforms or blocked links to rival platforms altogether. In April, Twitter prevented users from interacting with tweets containing links to Notes, a platform developed by Substack as a Twitter alternative. Musk defended this move, calling Notes a Twitter clone and casting doubt on the trustworthiness of the platform. However, later that day, Substack announced that the link suppression had ended.
While it remains unconfirmed whether the limitation on searching for Threads content is intentional, Musk has been vocal about his criticism of Threads and Mark Zuckerberg. Recently, Musk heightened his online attacks on Zuckerberg, referring to him as a cuck and accusing Threads of cheating. Musk’s lawyer also sent a legal threat to Zuckerberg, alleging that Threads copied Twitter and recruited its employees while stealing trade secrets. Meta has denied any involvement of former Twitter employees in the Threads team.
Meanwhile, Threads continues to gain momentum. Within the first seven hours of its release, the platform garnered over 10 million new members, and it has since grown to over 100 million users within its first five days. It is experiencing rapid growth, surpassing that of ChatGPT.
In conclusion, Twitter’s search function appears to be restricting the visibility of links to competitor platform Threads. This limitation coincides with Elon Musk’s criticism of Threads and Mark Zuckerberg. While a workaround exists, this development raises questions about Twitter’s intentions and treatment of rival platforms. It remains to be seen whether this restriction is intentional. As the rivalry between Twitter and Threads continues, the situation is being closely monitored.
