Of late, several companies have been building alternative replacements for Twitter. In fact, most of the variants, including Jack Dorsey’s Bluesky, is decentralized in nature.
Now, according to recent reports, Meta is currently working on a plan to build a standalone text-based content app. Unnamed sources told Moneycontrol that the platform will allegedly support ActivityPub, the decentralized social networking protocol behind Twitter rival Mastodon, and other applications.
Confirming the development, a Meta spokesperson said,
“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.”
Also Read: Jack Dorsey’s ‘Decentralized’ Twitter, Bluesky Is Now on App Store
Chalking out the features
According to the Moneycontrol report, the app will allegedly be “Instagram-branded.” This means users will be allowed to register or log in via their Instagram handles. The media house has reportedly “seen a copy of an internal product brief.” The same reportedly outlines the functionality and various product features of the app.
Currently, it remains unclear if the app is still in its ideation stage or if actual development has begun. Clarifying the same, the report noted,
“To be sure, it’s not clear whether this app, codenamed P92, is still at an idea stage or the development has begun on the app. A source close to the development said that it is still a work-in-progress.“
As for the features, the app would likely include, “tappable links in posts with previews (like Twitter), user bios, usernames, and verification badges.” Additionally, images and videos would be made shareable on the initial versions of the app, according to the plan. Even though the like and follow features will be there, it is not clear if features for commenting and messaging will be available in the initial version of the product. Nevertheless, they will all be added eventually.
According to a source,
“The team is also discussing whether to have the ability to reshare content like Twitter apart from business and creator accounts. A rights manager will be integrated from the beginning for first party content, but probably not for third party content from other apps and servers.”
Furthermore, the app will be offered under the company’s current privacy policy. However, a “supplemental privacy policy” and terms of service specific to the app will be released alongside.
Also Read: Block Inc CEO Jack Dorsey Proposes Decentralized ‘Twitter’