Twitter’s days as the flagship text-based social networking app may be numbered. Reports indicate that Meta Platforms is working on a new decentralized app to take on Twitter, which has dominated the space for years. The new app is part of an effort to offer users full control of how they interact in social networking without censorship or restrictions.
Meta Decentralized App
It still needs to be determined how long Meta has been working on the new decentralized app under code name P92. It also needs to be clarified whether the tech giant has moved into the development process and when it intends to launch the app.
The push by Meta comes amid growing concern that Twitter has lost its edge ever since Elon Musk acquired it for $44 billion last year. After Musk took over the social networking app, there have been growing concerns over the change of rules believed to have affected how people interact and share content. Meta could offer a perfect alternative in the form of a decentralized app with no centralized control.
Currently, the most popular apps, including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, have strict terms of use that appear to have disgruntled many people. Restrictions on the kind of things people can write and share have always been a bone of contention. The banning of some people because of their views has also not gone well with the masses, who believe there should be a platform to share their opinions without any restrictions.
Meta Spokesperson has confirmed there is an opportunity for a separate space where creators and public figures can share timely updates and interests without coming under scrutiny, as is the case with many apps. In addition, the new app would diversify Meta apps beyond Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram into a realm Twitter has dominated over the years.
Twitter Facing Stiff Competition
However, Meta will be one of many companies to venture into the decentralized app realm to take on Twitter. Currently, several decentralized apps seek to offer users a way out of centralized apps with stringent restrictions. Mastodon and Jack Dorsey-backed BlueSky are some of the apps that don’t rely on centralized servers to operate but rather on individual servers. Consequently, the apps allow people to interact and share content without worrying about the risk of censorship.
Twitter sentiments and prospects have gotten worse since Elon Musk purchased the social network after the long-running standoff. Changing the site’s rules and firing nearly half of the staff has not gone well with many people. Musk’s plans to sell the blue check for $8 has also evoked mixed reactions.
Stiff competition in the ever-crowded social networking scene is the last thing that Twitter might need. Meta Platform entering the space with its decentralized app would pose the biggest threat. Meta has already hinted that people can access the decentralized app using Instagram credentials. Such a feat could see millions of Instagram users jumping ship and signing up for the app at the expense of Twitter.