Meta is working on a Twitter-like platform called Threads, codenamed Project 92 or P92, rumored to support ActivityPub soon after launch. Some Mastodon instances are committing to proactively block it. I’m here to take the opposite view.
Meta adopting ActivityPub has the potential to fast-forward the progress of the social web by years. Ever since I grew disillusioned with Twitter a decade ago and started pushing for indie microblogs, then writing a book about social networks and founding Micro.
Meta adopting ActivityPub has the potential to fast-forward the progress of the social web by years.
Yes, but …
Unfortunately, it’s likely that Threads will implement only the parts of ActivityPub that serve Meta’s business, ignoring features such as account migration that would allow users to move their followers from Threads to Mastodon or Micro.blog.
It is tempting to see faster progress in general, but do we want progress under Meta’s terms specifically?
I don’t worry about Meta embracing ActivityPub and then extinguishing the fediverse as we know it.
I do. Shiny features could create a dilemma for users to either enjoy freedom in the then underdeveloped parts of the fediverse, or to accept a subordinate role to Meta.
Yes, but …
It is tempting to see faster progress in general, but do we want progress under Meta’s terms specifically?
I do. Shiny features could create a dilemma for users to either enjoy freedom in the then underdeveloped parts of the fediverse, or to accept a subordinate role to Meta.