Gander Social Inc., a new social media platform developed by five Canadian co-founders, is set to launch publicly in October. Driven by concerns over data sovereignty and the prevalence of disinformation on US-owned platforms, Gander prioritizes Canadian control over user data.
The platform's creation was partly fueled by fears regarding potential US government control over Canadian data. Gander is partnering with Canadian cloud provider ThinkOn to build a parallel network of servers entirely within Canada, offering users the option to use either a Canada-only network or the larger, decentralized AT Protocol network.
Gander will offer written posts and videos, allowing users to customize their feeds. It is built on the AT Protocol, promoting an open and decentralized structure. The platform boasts strategic advisors and investors, including Arlene Dickinson and other prominent figures in the Canadian tech sector.
Key partnerships include:
The platform will be available in English, French, and three Indigenous languages upon launch.
Gander's monetization strategy will likely include subscription plans for content creators and small businesses, alongside carefully curated ads. The focus remains on creating a positive user experience and avoiding the negative aspects seen on other platforms. Over 9,000 people have already signed up for the early access program.