Building the platform Big Tech won’t

Building a Human-First Platform: Upscrolled’s Mission Against Algorithmic Bias

Upscrolled, a rapidly trending social media platform, was discussed by its founder and CEO, Mr. Issam Hijazi, with Mr. Gregg Carlstrom of The Economist. Mr. Hijazi presented a strong critique of “Big Tech,” highlighting widespread censorship and content limitations, particularly concerning events in Gaza. He emphasized the urgent need for a platform prioritizing ethical conduct and user well-being over pure profit motives, which he believes Big Tech consistently fails to do.

Mr. Hijazi asserted that Big Tech’s profit-driven model leads to unethical practices, including enabling what he termed “genocide” by providing technology to certain regimes. He criticized their disregard for user mental health, data privacy, and the design of addictive platforms. He believes these companies prioritize revenue over humanity, a fundamental flaw Upscrolled aims to rectify by focusing on genuine user value and ethical principles, not just financial gain.

He detailed how major platforms suppress and censor pro-Palestinian content, a trend increasingly evident over recent years. Mr. Hijazi shared personal experiences of his posts about Gaza failing to reach global audiences, indicating selective and biased moderation. He noted this suppression extends beyond one conflict, but his primary concern was the impact on information flow regarding Gaza, supported by widespread user experiences and research findings from organizations including some in Qatar.

Responding to Mr. Carlstrom, Mr. Hijazi explained that algorithms are trained by people to flag content conflicting with specific agendas, confirming human-driven bias in content selection and amplification. He suggested that the acquisition of platforms like TikTok by certain interests further indicates a desire to control media narratives and information flow, mirroring traditional media control. This deliberate manipulation undermines free expression.

Upscrolled offers a distinct approach: equal opportunity for all voices without censorship, regardless of political stance. Mr. Hijazi stated the platform is designed without algorithms that amplify content or manipulate user feeds, ensuring users control their experience. Unlike other platforms where users are the “product,” Upscrolled focuses on delivering genuine value, not fostering addiction, and even encourages users to log off once value is gained, prioritizing user autonomy.

Despite its unconventional model, Mr. Hijazi reported strong interest from ethical investors, allowing Upscrolled to avoid reliance on traditional Silicon Valley funding. He clarified that Upscrolled is “pro-humanity,” welcoming all who seek free expression, not exclusively those with a pro-Palestinian stance. This broad appeal is central to its mission to be a truly open and inclusive platform for diverse viewpoints, guided by community input and transparent content moderation policies for illegal activities.

Mr. Hijazi’s personal motivation stems from his seven years in Big Tech and witnessing the “genocide” and censorship. As a Palestinian-Jordanian-Australian, he felt compelled to act. He shared that family members were murdered in Gaza, profoundly impacting him and making him feel complicit in his previous roles within the tech industry. This personal commitment drives Upscrolled’s rapid, organic growth, from 150,000 users to over 2.5 million globally in recent days, without marketing expenditure, aiming to surpass all competitors.