Several sources reported earlier today that Meta would be launching a Twitter-like platform in the future. According to MoneyControl and Platformer, Meta is currently working on an application internally codenamed P92. It will allow users to post text-based content. It will also use Mastodon’s social networking protocol called ActivityPub.
Meta has already publicly confirmed the news:
“We are 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.”
P92 will have a close relationship with Instagram, allowing users to log in using their Instagram credentials. The new platform will also use Instagram account details such as photos and names. However, this doesn’t mean that P92 will support sharing data from Instagram.
Interestingly, the application will be decentralized. Put simply, users will be able to set up their own servers and define their own rules for content moderation. You will also be able to send your posts to those on other servers.
We suspect that P92 will come with tappable links for posts with previews, shareable images and videos, and verification badges. However, we have no information on whether Meta will charge for badges. On the other hand, it has already released a paid verification service for Facebook and Instagram that costs $12 per month. So there is every reason to believe that, even if not at launch, it will introduce a similar policy some time down the line.
We know the app is still in development. But that doesn’t mean Facebook has started writing the code. We mean it could be in the design stage. So it’s too early to think about its potential and whether it can compete with Twitter.
