Meta may introduce tokens and digital currency lending services to apps: Report

cointelegraph.com:

Social media giant Facebook’s parent company Meta is reportedly planning to introduce virtual currency named after CEO Mark Zuckerberg as well as lending services to apps it owns, which may include Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Messenger. 

According to a Financial Times report on Wednesday, the move toward tokens and virtual currency is aimed at exploring alternative sources of revenue as interest in Facebook and Instagram drops. Meta’s potential virtual currency, which employees have reportedly dubbed ‘Zuck Bucks’, will be aimed at use in the metaverse.

Facebook owner Meta targets finance with ‘Zuck Bucks’ and creator coins https://t.co/IcK6oAM0J7

The report does not allege Meta is exploring traditional cryptocurrencies tied to a blockchain, but rather centrally controlled tokens to be used within its apps, similar to in-game currency. The company is also reportedly considering creating ‘social tokens’ for engagement rewards, as well as ‘creator coins’ for influencers.

“We’re making changes to our product strategy and road map [...] so we can prioritize on building for the metaverse and on what payments and financial services will look like in this digital world,” said Meta’s head of finance division Stephane Kasriel in January.

Integrating virtual currencies into Meta’s apps may be coming alongside the company exploring nonfungible tokens on users’ Facebook and Instagram profiles. The report suggested Meta was planning to launch an NFT pilot program as early as May 2022.

Cointelegraph reported in January that Meta was in the early stages of potentially launching an NFT marketplace, as well as exploring methods of allowing users to mint collectible tokens. David Marcus, the co-creator of the Facebook-backed Diem token,