The European Union is set to launch its own versions of popular social media platforms Twitter and YouTube.
This move is seen as a way for the EU to better compete with global tech giants, increase its visibility and influence on the world stage, and offer a regulated social media option for citizens. This could mean big changes for users of current social media platforms, specifically companies based in the United States doing business in the EU.
The EU has been vocal about its plans to regulate the tech industry more heavily, and this move is seen as a way to exert even more control over the sector. The new platforms are likely to be subject to stricter rules and regulations than their counterparts, so users will need to be aware of these before signing up. However, many people are excited about the prospect of having more EU-centric social media options, as current social networking platforms are largely based in the United States.
EU’s Version of Twitter: Mastodon
Mastodon is a social media platform that is very similar to Twitter but with some important differences. It is based on the open-source software known as ActivityPub, which allows for a decentralized network of users. This means that Mastodon is not controlled by any one company or entity and that users have more control over their data. The platform also has a stronger focus on privacy than Twitter and does not allow for targeted advertising. Mastodon is still in its early stages, but it has already gained a loyal following among those who are looking for a more ethical social media option. If the platform continues to grow, it could become a serious competitor to Twitter. Only time will tell!
The EU YouTube: EU Video
EU Video is a new video-sharing platform that is being developed by the European Union. The platform will be tailored specifically to the needs of EU citizens and will be subject to strict rules and regulations. EU Video will likely offer a more privacy-conscious alternative to YouTube, and will not allow for targeted advertising. The platform is still in development, but some say it has the potential to become a major competitor to YouTube.
The FediVerse
EU Video and Mastodon are both parts of what’s being called “The FediVerse,” a collection of “federated social networks running on free open software on a myriad of servers across the world.” This network of social platforms includes names most of you likely have never heard of, such as:
- diaspora
- Hubzilla
- Misskey
- PeerTube (the open-source platform that EU Video is slated to use)
- Pixelfed
- Funkwhale
You can learn more about this on Gizmodo.
