Meta may offer a Twitter alternative like Mastodon in the future, MoneyControl and Platformer reported. The social networking giant is reportedly in the early stages of developing an app codenamed P92 that will allow users to post text-based updates, and will support Mastodon’s social networking protocol called ActivityPub.
Meta does not deny that it works on a decentralized social network. “We are exploring an independent, decentralized social network for sharing text updates,” the company said in a statement to publications. We believe there is an opportunity for a separate space where creators and public figures can share timely updates on their interests.”
According to the sources, the P92 will carry the Instagram branding and will allow users to register and log in using their Instagram ID. It will automatically fill users’ profile with account details of photo sharing app if they use login information of Instagram account. But according to the product brief MoneyControl saw, after initial registration, “data sharing from Instagram to the P92 will be minimal if not zero.”
What does “decentralized” mean?
The decentralization of the app means that users can set up their own servers and set their own rules for content moderation. A source told MoneyControl that the app will allow users to post their posts to other servers, but we don’t know yet if they will be able to follow each other. However, if the app supports ActivityPub, users will likely expect it to be interoperable with Mastodon and other decentralized apps that use the protocol.
The list of features Meta definitely wants in the app includes touchable links for preview posts, shareable images and videos, as well as verification badges. Sources haven’t specified whether the company will charge a fee for the badges, but it’s worth noting that Meta launched a $12-per-month paid verification service for Facebook and Instagram in February. Users will have the ability to leave comments and send private messages, but these features may not be available in the first version of the app. Also, Meta doesn’t seem to be sure yet if it will give people the ability to re-share posts as they can on Twitter.
MoneyControl says it’s not entirely clear whether the company has started building the app or is still in the development planning phase.
57062
