Meta’s new Twitter competitor, Threads, has reported an impressive 70 million new registrations within just two days of its launch. This surge in registrations can be attributed to the large user base of Instagram, which is owned by Meta. While other Twitter alternatives are gaining traction, Threads quickly rose to the top of these platforms. However, it focuses on specific interests such as beauty, music, sports, and entertainment, deliberately avoiding politics. The decision to exclude politics may limit its potential as a true alternative to Twitter, as political discussions have played a significant role in the success of the short message service.
In other news, sensitive customer data, including names and IBAN, has been leaked from a service provider of Deutsche Bank and Postbank. This breach raises concerns about unauthorized direct debits and highlights the need for increased security measures.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has faced criticism for his billion-dollar Metaverse project, which has been seen as a financial drain rather than a groundbreaking technology revolution. However, the success of Threads provides him with a positive outcome. With over 70 million registrations in just two days, Threads has surpassed expectations and stands as a formidable competitor to Twitter, which currently has an estimated active user base of 450 million.
While Threads may be growing rapidly, it sets itself apart from Twitter by prioritizing topics such as sports, music, fashion, beauty, and entertainment. The decision to avoid politics is based on the belief that political discussions require additional effort, often leading to negativity and risks that are not countered by engagement and revenue.
The financial institutions Deutsche Bank and Postbank recently notified their customers about a security breach that resulted in the leakage of sensitive data. The breach was caused by the exploitation of a software vulnerability and affected customers who used the account switching service of both banks between 2016 and 2020. The exact number of affected individuals is still unknown, but their first and last names, as well as IBANs, were likely compromised. While direct access to the accounts is not possible, the leak does raise concerns about unauthorized direct debits.
The Russian war of aggression against Ukraine has had a significant impact on the export of oil, gas, and coal. Many countries are striving for energy independence from Russia, leading to the construction of floating LNG terminals. However, Russia continues to export substantial amounts of fossil fuels. Observers estimate the total value of Russia’s exports, including oil, gas, and coal, to be nearly US$384 billion. The European Union is the largest consumer, accounting for over 40% of these exports, while China is the biggest customer overall. Despite efforts to reduce reliance on Russian gas, achieving full independence remains a challenge.
India has experienced remarkable advancements in telecommunications. In the past, making long-distance calls was a luxury for ordinary Indians, and having a landline connection was considered fortunate. However, as of 2021, India has become the second largest telecommunications market globally, with over a billion subscribers. Almost everyone now owns a mobile phone, and even roadside coconut sellers use payment apps. This technological transformation has allowed for significant progress, such as the rise of cloud kitchens run by housewives. India has made a generational leap in embracing 4G and 5G technology and has achieved unprecedented connectivity.
