Twitter Accuses Meta of Misappropriation of Trade Secrets
Twitter is contemplating legal action against Meta, the company behind the fast-growing app Threads. Threads, launched on Wednesday, is being promoted by Meta as a “friendly” alternative to Twitter. However, Twitter’s CEO Elon Musk stated that “competition is fine, cheating is not.” In response, Meta denied allegations made in a legal letter that former Twitter employees contributed to the development of Threads.
Threads Attracts Over 30 Million Users Amidst Rivalry with Twitter
According to Meta, more than 30 million people have already signed up for Threads, although this is less than a tenth of Twitter’s estimated 350 million users. It is noted the striking similarities in the look and feel of Threads compared to Twitter. While US copyright law does not protect ideas, Twitter would need to prove that its own intellectual property, such as programming code, was unlawfully used by Meta.
Twitter Sends Legal Letter Demanding Cessation of Trade Secret Misuse
In a letter sent to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg by Twitter attorney Alex Spiro, Twitter accuses Meta of “systematic, wilful, and unlawful misappropriation of Twitter’s trade secrets and other intellectual property” in the creation of Threads. The letter alleges that Meta hired numerous former Twitter employees who had access to Twitter’s trade secrets and confidential information, contributing to the development of the “copycat” app. Twitter demands that Meta immediately cease using any of its trade secrets and confidential information.
Responses from Musk and Zuckerberg Highlight Rivalry
Elon Musk responded to the legal letter by stating that “competition is fine, cheating is not.” Meta spokesperson Andy Stone countered Twitter’s claims, stating that no one on the Threads engineering team is a former Twitter employee. Both Musk and Zuckerberg have acknowledged the rivalry between Threads and Twitter. Zuckerberg, breaking an 11-year silence on Twitter, posted a popular meme depicting two Spider-Man figures pointing at each other in a stand-off.
Industry Expert Foresees Steady Growth for Threads
Sarah Kunst, managing director at venture capital firm Cleo Capital, believes that Threads offers a “brand-safe environment” for Instagram advertisers and predicts steady growth in its user base. The app’s easy cross-posting features may contribute to its continued expansion. While the initial surge in users may be attributed to curiosity, Kunst expects ongoing growth due to the app’s integration with other platforms.
Both Twitter and Meta have experienced significant staff reductions this year. In April, Meta announced plans to cut approximately 10,000 staff members, while Twitter underwent substantial layoffs following Elon Musk’s takeover last October, resulting in the loss of a large proportion of its employees.
SOURCE: Ref Image from The Guardian
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