BERLIN: A new social media network designed to be a European alternative to algorithm-heavy platforms like TikTok, Facebook and Instagram is to be launched on Wednesday.
The app known as wedium is set to start in beta, with the regular launch on Apple's App Store and Google's Play Store planned for July, the Berlin advertising agency behind the app said on Tuesday.
The "100% European" platform says it wants to do without personalised algorithms geared towards maximising time spent on the app.
Functions for protecting minors are also planned, along with measures against misinformation and manipulated content.
A key element, the company says, is mandatory identity verification for active users. Posts are to be published only by verified people, while non-verified users will only be able to consume content.
The company says this will allow it to avoid bots, hate speech and fake news, as well as cybergrooming and abuse. The subhead on its website is: "wedium is the first social media platform for real people only."
The developers say they decided against joining the same open-source Fediverse approach as Mastodon and Bluesky because it is not lucrative. "No one can make money there, which makes it unattractive to media outlets, brands, and creators."
The company has opened a waiting list for sign-ups and says anyone can sign up with their email address to view content. To post, like, or comment, however, they must verify their identity with their ID.
Wedium is incorporated in Berlin and has four co-chief executives. In much of Europe, there has been controversial debate for months about a possible social media ban for minors.
EU leaders recently spoke out in favour of pushing ahead with age limits for platforms, based in part on its Digital Services Act, whose rules on protecting minors are to be implemented more consistently. The European Commission is responsible for regulating large platforms. – dpa
