In the near future, Meta might provide a Mastodon-like alternative to Twitter with the name P92. The social networking behemoth is apparently in the early stages of creating an app with the codename P92 that will support Mastodon’s ActivityPub social networking protocol and allow users to post text-based updates. The startup is developing a decentralized social network, according to Meta, who informed the media:
“We’re exploring a standalone decentralized social network for sharing text updates. We believe there’s an opportunity for a separate space where creators and public figures can share timely updates about their interests.”
How will P92 work?
According to the sources, P92 would have Instagram branding and allow users to register and check in using their Instagram credentials. If users log in with their Instagram credentials, their Instagram account information will be added to their profile. But, following initial registration, “data sharing from Instagram to P92 will be minimal, if not none,” according to the product brief.
Users can set up their own servers and establish their own policies for content filtering because the program is decentralized. It was revealed by a source that the program will enable users to broadcast their posts to others on other servers, though it is unclear if they will also be able to follow one another. But, if the app supports ActivityPub, users would probably anticipate some level of compatibility with Mastodon and other decentralized apps that utilize the protocol.
The app should have the following capabilities, according to Meta: shareable images and videos, tappable links for posts with previews, and verification badges. Although the sources did not specify whether the business will charge for its badges as well, it’s important to remember that Meta back in February introduced a $12 per month paid verification service for Facebook and Instagram. The option for users to post comments and send private messages will be present, although they might not be in the app’s initial release. At this time, Meta is debating whether to allow users to share posts on other platforms like Twitter.
It’s unclear whether the business has already started developing the app or if it is still in the planning stages. By the time it launches, it will undoubtedly face a number of additional opponents because, ever since Elon Musk took over Twitter last year, Twitter competitors have been springing up to provide people with an alternative.
Meta has been losing a lot of stock value since the last months of 2022. Therefore it is possible that P92’s idea process has its roots in the efforts that the company is making to recompensate that loss. If an official public announcement was to e made, you can check it out from Meta’s technologies page. And if you want to stay on track with the latest news about social media, make sure to take a look at the links below to keep up.
