What is W Social and what does it offer? W Social is a European microblogging social network aimed at providing an alternative to platforms like X (Twitter) and Threads. It leverages the same protocol as Bluesky, making it somewhat complex yet intriguing. Let’s break it down.
What is W Social?
W Social is a European social network designed for micro-messaging, similar to Twitter/X and Threads. Its core objective is to establish a European alternative to American social networks, ensuring that all data is kept on European servers, therefore adhering to stringent privacy regulations.
This platform is not standalone; it operates on Bluesky’s AT Protocol, allowing for seamless interaction between users on W Social and Bluesky. Essentially, it’s like having two interlinked networks. You can follow Bluesky accounts directly from W Social without any issue.
As of now, Bluesky boasts over 45 million users, significantly boosting W Social’s user base from the onset. This means W Social won’t be starting from scratch, and users dissatisfied with one platform can switch to another with relative ease.
What W Social is NOT
Importantly, W Social is not an initiative of the European Union, but rather a project developed by a European company, similar to Meta or X but rooted firmly in EU regulations. Unlike decentralized networks like Mastodon, W Social is controlled by a company that dictates its policies and features.
Main Features of W Social
Using W Social is akin to operating on Bluesky. The platform utilizes custom feeds, allowing users to personalize their experience. By default, the main screen displays messages only from followed users, but W Social also provides feeds that showcase trends, organizations, and featured users.
Another standout feature is the search engine for Bluesky feeds which allows users to read thematic content created by others. However, to engage in W Social, all users must have a verified identity.
Verification Process
User verification is crucial for creating a secure environment. There are two ways to verify your identity:
- Verify that you are human: You can do this by providing your nationality and year of birth, making it public but keeping your name confidential.
- Verify your identity: This involves submitting your name and identity documents (like a passport or ID), granting you a verification badge.
The verification takes place through an application known as W Verify, which guides you through the process. Setting up your W Social account is possible before verification, but profile alterations are restricted until you obtain verification. Currently, W Social is in an invitation phase, requiring users to subscribe to a waiting list at wsocial.news.
Post-verification, you’ll be able to log into W Social using QR codes to enhance security.
Conclusion
W Social is positioning itself as a unique player in the social networking scene, notably emphasizing privacy and verified identities. While it has a long way to go, its focus on offering a safe online environment devoid of bots and trolls distinguishes it from its competitors. Whether it’s worth your time will ultimately depend on your views on privacy and digital engagement.