An NFT, which is a digital asset usually
bought with cryptocurrencies or in dollars, encompasses everything from images,
videos to text. The ownership record is tracked on the blockchain, which serves
as a public ledger allowing anyone to verify the NFT's authenticity.
Traded since around 2017, NFTs initially
gained popularity in early 2021 and then around August.
Last week, former US first lady Melania
Trump launched an NFT and blockchain technology venture, which was spearheaded
by Parler.
"Parler will continue building its
digital offering with an NFT pipeline that builds communities and fosters
creativity while furthering its commitment to free speech and security,"
the company said in a statement on Monday.
The app was launched in 2018 as a
social-media site, styling itself as a free-speech space for those seeking an
alternative to major platforms such as Facebook and Twitter. It quickly gained
traction from supporters of former US President Donald Trump.
Parler, however, went dark for about a month
after being cut off by major technology platforms Apple, Google parent
Alphabet, and Amazon that accused the app of failing to police violent content
related to the deadly January 6 attack on the US Capitol by Trump supporters. ©
Reuters