The European social media platform eYou made its public debut in Bucharest, adding 50,000 users to its waitlist since March. Founded by French entrepreneurs Jasseem Allybokus and Grégoire Vigroux, based in Bucharest, the platform aims to "rebuild trust in online conversations" through real-time fact-checking, transparent algorithms, and user-controlled feeds.
Founders' Vision
Speaking at the launch event, co-founder Grégoire Vigroux shared his motivation. "Last year, I saw my feed filled exclusively with posts about Elon Musk, despite never following him. This realization led to the understanding that social media platforms, meant to connect us, are often used as political and business tools," he explained. This prompted the development of eYou, a platform designed to restore online trust without compromising usability.
Data Protection and AI Fact-Checking
eYou is built to address the issue of fake news spreading six times faster than real news. The platform integrates AI-powered fact-checking technology and a feed architecture that aims to reduce polarization and limit algorithmic echo chambers. It stores user data in Europe, allowing users to manage their data at any time and customize their content.
Community Involvement
As eYou continues to develop, the co-founders aim to involve their user community in shaping the platform’s future. "We want to include our users in everything we do," Vigroure emphasized. User acquisition and retention remain top priorities, with the platform exploring monetization options in the future.
Funding and Early User Feedback
Earlier this year, eYou secured EUR 300,000 in pre-launch funding from Fil Rouge Capital. Venture Partner Romania at Fil Rouge Capital, Matei Dumitrescu, expressed support for the platform's mission, noting the need for European companies to build rather than merely regulate digital solutions.
User Survey Results
A survey conducted by eYou revealed significant concerns among users about social media disinformation and data safety. Nine in ten respondents reported encountering fake news or disinformation, while 77% felt manipulated by social media content. The survey also highlighted that 85% of respondents believe social media platforms prioritize profit over user well-being.
The survey, which included 370 respondents, indicated that over 80% are active on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, with a majority also using TikTok and X. This widespread usage underscores the need for more trustworthy social media platforms.
Early adopters of eYou are primarily based in Romania, with the United States as the second-largest market, accounting for 19% of the userbase. Other European countries, such as Sweden, Germany, the UK, and France, also have significant numbers of users.
With its innovative approach to data protection and user empowerment, eYou aims to carve out a niche in the competitive social media landscape.
