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 support Mastodon’s social networking protocol called ActivityPub
Meta confirmed that a decentralized social network is in the works further stating: “We are exploring an autonomous decentralized social network for exchanging text updates. We believe there is an opportunity for a distinct space where creators and public figures can share timely updates about their interests.
The P92 will carry Instagram branding and allow users to sign up and log in using their Instagram credentials, accordin
g to the sources. During registration, it will populate the user’s profile with his Instagram account details if he uses his login in the known application.
According to the product brief seen by MoneyControl, “the data exchange from Instagram to the P92 will be minimal, if any” after initial registration. A major difference compared to Twitter is that the application will be decentralized, which means that users will be able to create their own servers and set their own rules for moderating content.
A source told MoneyControl that the app will allow users to broadcast their posts to those on other servers, but it remains to be seen whether they will be able to follow each other, too. If the app eventually supports the ActivityPub standard, users will likely expect it to be somewhat interoperable with Mastodon and other decentralized apps that use the protocol. Meta has a list of features he definitely wants the app to have, including links that can be leveraged for preview posts, shareable images and videos, and verification badges.
The sources didn’t say whether the company will charge for badges as well, but it’s worth noting that Meta launched a $12-per-month account verification subscription service for Facebook and Instagram in February. Users will be able to leave comments and send private messages, but these may not be available in the first version of the app. And at this point, Meta isn’t sure if it will give people the ability to reshare posts like they do on Twitter. MoneyControl reports that it is not clear if the company has already started building the app or if it is still in the planning period.
By the time it launches, it’s sure to face several more competitors, as Twitter’s rivals have sprung up to offer users an alternative since Elon Musk’s takeover last year.
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