The Threads social network is set to operate in Russia, following the legal requirements laid out by the authorities. This position was clarified by Roskomnadzor, as reported by TASS. The agency noted that Russian law requires any website accessible to domestic users to promptly remove content deemed socially dangerous and to prevent the spread of material that could be considered destructive.
The Android and iOS versions of Threads have already been released for users. According to TASS, accessing the service in Russia may require a VPN connection. This is likely tied to the fact that a Threads account is linked to an Instagram profile, and Meta is subject to restrictions as the company is listed as extremist by Russian authorities. When users sign up, data can be sourced from Instagram, and the early setup process may request permission to connect with the user’s Instagram friends to follow Topics. Users then have the option to set their Threads profile to public or private, depending on their privacy preferences.
Threads enables posting of topics, text, videos, and photos. Each post supports replies that help generate topic-level discussions. The interface displays counts of replies and likes beneath posts, and, similar to Twitter, Threads supports reposting and quoting a topic. There is also the option to share a thread to the user’s Instagram story and feed, creating visibility across both platforms.
The topic feed curates content from accounts followed on Instagram as well as recommended Topics, giving users a mix of familiar and new material. The platform also offers discovery features to help users find additional content aligned with their interests.
A full regional rollout of Threads was anticipated to occur on July 6 at 17:00 Moscow time, marking a key milestone for the service within the Russian market. The buildup to Threads’ launch included public attention drawn by its creator and chief executive officer, who previously shared highlights on other social media platforms, generating broad discussion among users and observers.