The new application “Abskrold” has created a buzz in the world of social media. It is an alternative platform.
The app quickly became the most downloaded on the Apple App Store in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, and ranks eighth in Pakistan, in a space typically dominated by tech giants like TikTok, X, and Instagram.
The app operates without “shadow banning” or “censorship,” following the Israeli war on Gaza, when censorship of posts related to the war began to increase.
“I was receiving news from independent journalists and activists online and on social media platforms, and I was sharing and reposting it myself. But as the months passed, all possible indicators—the death toll, time, destruction of buildings, number of hostages—rose dramatically, while only the level of online visibility decreased. The truth was being silenced or suffocated.”
It was stated that there was a feeling of pressure to convey the voices of the people, which prompted leaving a job at a company to create this platform.
The “Abskrold” app, with a design similar to Instagram, offers two main sections: a “Following” section and a “Discovery” section. According to the platform’s website, the “Following” section is arranged chronologically, allowing users to choose what they want to see from the creators they follow, while the “Discovery” section is arranged by popularity, with a gradual decrease in the number of posts over time, and a bit of randomness to enliven the content.
Without a political or commercial agenda
The website also confirms that the platform does not adopt any agenda, “political, commercial, or otherwise,” and that the process of reviewing posts that violate community guidelines or the law will be under human supervision, with full transparency and political neutrality.
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It was explained that “Abskrold” is not a new idea, but rather a return to the essence of social media, meaning a place for social connection. “I want ‘Abskrold’ to be a platform for everyone. Politics motivated its creation, but its success lies in the diversity of its community and content… Ambitious? Perhaps. Revolutionary? No,” is how its creation was described.
It was added that the platform was “self-built and self-funded” without any financing from venture capital firms or major tech companies. The app experienced a brief disruption on Monday after an influx of new users overwhelmed the “Abskrold” servers, and the team stated they are working to scale their setup accordingly.
This rise of the platform comes at a time when an American company, described by a council as pro-Israel, has taken over the operations of TikTok in the United States.
A research center praised “Abskrold” for “protecting freedom of expression” amid a “censorship campaign” being waged.
Abskrold
“Abskrold” does not correspond to a widely recognized or documented place or cultural site in available historical or geographical records. It may be a misspelling, a fictional location, or a very obscure local reference. Without verifiable information, a meaningful summary of its history cannot be provided.
Apple App Store
The Apple App Store is a digital distribution platform launched by Apple Inc. in 2008, fundamentally changing software access by allowing users to download applications directly to their iPhones. It created a centralized marketplace for developers and established a curated model for app distribution and monetization.
United States
The United States is a federal republic founded in 1776 after declaring independence from Great Britain, establishing itself through a revolutionary war and the ratification of its Constitution in 1789. It grew from thirteen original colonies into a global superpower, with a history significantly shaped by westward expansion, the Civil War, and large-scale immigration. Its diverse culture is a product of this history and its foundational ideals of democracy and individual liberty.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is a sovereign nation comprising England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, with a history of formation through successive political unions, notably the Acts of Union in 1707 and 1800. It emerged as a major global power during the British Empire and is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy, playing a significant role in world history, culture, and industry.
Australia
Australia is a continent and nation with a rich Indigenous history spanning over 65,000 years, followed by British colonization beginning in 1788. It is known for its unique ecosystems, iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and Uluru, and a modern multicultural society shaped by waves of immigration.
Pakistan
Pakistan is a modern nation-state established in 1947 following the partition of British India, created as a homeland for South Asian Muslims. Its rich cultural heritage spans millennia, encompassing ancient Indus Valley Civilization sites like Mohenjo-daro, Mughal architectural wonders such as the Lahore Fort, and diverse traditions from its multiple ethnic groups.
TikTok
TikTok is a social media platform for sharing short-form videos, launched internationally in 2017 by the Chinese company ByteDance after merging with its predecessor, Douyin. It rapidly grew into a global cultural phenomenon, significantly influencing music, trends, and digital entertainment.
X
X is a historic site known for its significant cultural and architectural heritage. It was originally constructed during [specific period or dynasty] and served as [original purpose or function]. Today, it stands as a major tourist attraction and a symbol of [relevant cultural or historical theme].
Instagram
Instagram is a social media platform and cultural site founded in 2010, initially focused on sharing photos and videos with filters. Its history includes a rapid rise in popularity, acquisition by Facebook (now Meta) in 2012, and its evolution into a major hub for visual communication, influencer culture, and digital marketing.
Gaza
Gaza is a coastal city in the Palestinian territories with a history dating back over 3,000 years, having been ruled by various empires including the Egyptians, Philistines, Romans, and Ottomans. It is a densely populated urban center and holds significant cultural and historical importance in the region. In recent decades, it has been a focal point of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and is administered by the Hamas government.
TikTok
TikTok is a social media platform for short-form video content, launched internationally in 2017 by the Chinese company ByteDance after merging with its predecessor, Musical.ly. It rapidly grew into a global cultural phenomenon, significantly influencing music, trends, and digital entertainment.
