Nowadays, our information and personal communications spin around the internet and social media. It is the number one way to communicate with others, read the news, watch videos, learn and write or post about what happens to us.
There are many platforms out there, but only a few make it as the most popular ones. It’s main advantage is that almost everyone we know uses them, but not everything you want to see or hear is there. It is not a secret that these companies have all your data and pictures and use it for multiple purposes and the filtering of information has created a space for alternatives to surface in the market.
As the digital nerds that we are, we feel compelled to have an open mind, experiment and share. Take a look at our recent finds!
DuckDuckGo
DuckDuckGo is a search engine that strives towards the protection of the user’s privacy by avoiding filtered search results and not storing or sharing the personal information of the searcher.
Founded in 2008 but starting to achieve major growth in 2013. It’s number one promise is privacy, but it also has an easy to use interface, giving back efficiency to the user. DuckDuckGo is reaching more popularity as time goes on due to its privacy features as well as display of unfiltered information.
Bichute
Bitchute works through WebTorrents, which basically means that the users are the servers and that it does not require plugins, extensions or installations to work.
This video hosting service allows content creators to upload their videos without being banned, censored or demonetized, as it happens in other platforms. The platform advertises that they “aim to put creators first and provide them with a service that they can use to flourish and express their ideas freely”.
Minds
This platform is a social networking service that works with blockchain to reward users with tokens. Minds tokens can be used to promote the content they create and upload, and as a source of crowdfunding for initiatives and ideas on the site that you would like to support. As the previous networks, it promotes privacy, anonymity and free speech while avoiding unfortunate practices such as censorship and algorithm manipulations.
The platform advertises that their “code and algorithms are free and open source for maximum transparency and accountability”.
Parler
This social networking service popularity is on the rise. It works as a microblogging platform that allows users to discuss politics and any topic they’d like, under the premise of free speech, without being censored in most cases. Parler does not allow offensive or violent posts, pornography or blackmailing in order to keep the community safe. It is completely free and available for both Android and iOS.
These are only a few options, but there are plenty of networks to explore. Technology is an ever changing landscape and new ideas are always out for exploration. Time will only tell if any of these platforms will make it into the market to become the new platforms of choice for millions of users.
Lastly, just as important is to stay aware of the dangers and the ways to reduce the risk of having our data stolen and shared. Stay up to date about your cyber security and consider testing new apps on computers or mobile devices that do not share access with critical data such as bank accounts or other data sensitive information. Without these measures, private and confidential information can be easily viewed and intercepted. Make sure you learn what your apps do and what their terms and conditions are.
Sources:
