According to sources, Meta has presented its employees with plans for a text-based social network that aims to rival Twitter.
The platform could potentially allow users to follow accounts they already follow on Meta’s image-sharing app, Instagram.
A Meta spokesperson has confirmed to the BBC that the development of the platform is underway, and it may also offer the potential for users to migrate their followers from decentralized platforms like Mastodon.
“We are actively exploring the development of an independent decentralized social network focused on sharing text updates,” the spokesperson expressed. “We recognize the opportunity for a unique platform where creators and public figures can share real-time updates aligned with their interests.”
Meta’s Chief Product Officer, Chris Cox, confirmed that coding for the platform is already in progress. The tech giant is working towards releasing it in the near future, although no specific date has been announced. There is speculation that the release could potentially take place by the end of June.
Leaked screenshots, believed to be genuine, have surfaced online, providing a glimpse of the app’s potential appearance. Sources within the company have confirmed the authenticity of these screenshots. If accurate, the layout of the new platform will bear resemblance to Twitter, offering a familiar experience to users familiar with the platform.
The text-based network, codenamed P92, has the potential to pose a stronger competition to Elon Musk’s Twitter than both BlueSky and Mastodon. While these platforms have attracted users who are dissatisfied with Twitter, building a new social network from scratch and establishing a community can be challenging.
The Instagram community, with approximately two billion users according to Meta, is significantly larger than the estimated 300 million users of Twitter. However, the accuracy of Twitter’s user figures can no longer be verified.
If only 25% of Instagram users can be enticed to use P92 (which is likely to have a more appealing name upon its launch), it would instantly surpass its older rival in terms of size.
Meta acknowledges that it draws “inspiration” from other products, although some critics may describe it more critically – for example, Facebook’s Stories feature was based on Snapchat, and Instagram’s Reels bears a striking resemblance to TikTok.
In recent months, Twitter has faced scrutiny regarding its moderation practices, and in May, it decided to withdraw from the EU’s voluntary disinformation code.
Critics argue that under Mr. Musk’s leadership, Twitter moderation has been reduced, leading to an increase in the spread of disinformation.
According to Mr. Musk, there has been a decrease in misinformation rather than an increase since he took charge in October 2022.
Source : bbc.com