Encrypted social network ‘Minds’ gains Anonymous backing
Tue 16 Jun 2015
A new free, open-source social network Minds.com has gone live this week, which promises its users a completely secure, private and unrestricted platform.
“We are a free and open-source platform to launch your digital brand, social network and mobile app. We are also a social network ourselves. It is a global social network of social networks,” reads Minds’ About page.
Available online and across mobile devices, the new site has attracted the support of online activists including hacking collective Anonymous who praise the network’s focus on end-to-end encrypted private messaging and prioritising freedom of expression.
The hacker group posted a call on Facebook to “hackers, designers and creators” to join Minds.com – to help “co-create a top site of the people, by the people and for the people.”
Another feature that marks Minds from other social networking sites is the ability for its users to control their reach across the platform. The more active an individual is on the network, the more they are rewarded with a greater reach to control.
“For every mobile vote, comment, remind, swipe and upload you earn points which can be exchanged for views on posts of your choice. It’s a new web paradigm that gives everyone a voice,” the Mind team explains.
“Our stance is the users deserve the control of social media in every sense,” added Minds founder Bill Ottman. He explained that allowing users to “earn virality” was an important aspect of the network’s philosophy.
According to Ottman, even without an official launch, Minds has gained over 60 million visits and has attracts those who are “interested in alternative media” – such as those interested in online freedom and citizen journalism.
Ottman along with Minds chair Lori Fena have strong histories in privacy and freedom of speech, and are both well-known for their activism online.
The web version of Minds is now live, as too are the iOS and Android apps.
