Saskatoon software developer creates Twitter alternative
With fears Twitter could crash, a Saskatoon software developer is creating a new platform.
Joel Hill is starting “Flatlander,” a social network designed for people in the Canadian prairies to stay connected.
“If Twitter dies, or if people decide to leave, they’ll go to all these different corners of the internet and our network will dissolve … that central hub we all had together,” Hill tells CTV News.
Flatlander’s feed will look similar to Twitter, but it will be hosted on open-source, free software — such as Mastodon.
Hill describes Flatlander, and other open-source solutions, as a “safe place for everyone to land if Twitter implodes.”
Unlike Twitter, Flatlander will be community-based — not hinged on one person, or driven by profits and algorithms.
Hill said his idea for Flatlander began after Elon Musk’s takeover of Twitter.
In October, Musk bought Twitter for $44 billion. After closing the deal, the new CEO fired about 3,700 employees and told existing staff to commit to “extremely hardcore work” or leave the company. Musk’s ultimatum resulted in more workers resigning.
Under the apparent staff shortage, Hill said it’s possible Twitter could collapse at any moment.
He’s planning to launch Flatlander in 2023 — but there’s still a lot of work to do, Hill says.
“We’re going to need a way to keep it going. We’re going to need a way to accept people’s money, accept donations and put it to the server cost. We want to be open and transparent about that,” Hill says.
Hill is also working on ensuring the platform is moderated with community standards and guidelines.
People can sign up for Flatlander updates online.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
2 charged after police find 'concerning and diverse' explosives at Manitoba home
Winnipeg police say they have arrested two people in their 20s after a large amount of explosives were found in a home outside of Winnipeg, Man.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Spain abolishes national bullfighting award in cultural shift
Spain scrapped an annual bullfighting award on Friday, prompting a rebuke from conservatives over a backlash against a centuries-old tradition they see as an art form but which has run into growing concern for animal welfare.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.