Some Canadian police services have joined Threads. Will more follow suit?

As tens of millions of people begin using Threads, Meta's rival to Twitter, police and emergency response agencies across Canada are considering embracing the new text-based app.

As tens of millions of people begin using Threads, Meta’s rival to Twitter, police and emergency response agencies across Canada are considering embracing the new text-based app.

For years, Twitter has been a go-to source for the media and the broader public to get real-time information from public agencies, especially on situations that impact safety.

Threads has launched during a turbulent time for Twitter following its takeover by billionaire Elon Musk, whose leadership has compelled some users to look for alternative platforms.

Some Canadian public agencies are already on Threads, but many others said they were still considering whether to launch an account.

The early adopters include police services in Calgary and Edmonton.

Edmonton Police Service spokesperson Carolin Maran said the force “has a Threads account and is currently developing a strategy for its ongoing use,” adding that its Twitter accounts “will remain active.”

The RCMP also said it was open to using Threads, but was sticking for now with its existing platforms, including Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram, the Meta-owned product that built Threads.

“As the footprint and reach of traditional media has been reduced, social media has been a very useful tool in that regard,” said Marie-Eve Breton, an RCMP spokesperson.