Minds (social network)

Minds is a decentralized and open-source social networking service. It emphasizes freedom of speech, privacy, and user control. Founded in 2011 by Bill Ottman and John Harvey, Minds aims to provide an alternative to mainstream social media platforms by operating on blockchain technology and offering cryptocurrency-based rewards for user contributions.

Key features of Minds include end-to-end encrypted messaging, content monetization through Minds tokens, open-source code available for public review and contribution, and a focus on community governance. Users can earn tokens by creating popular content, referring new users, and actively participating in the platform. These tokens can then be used to boost their own content's visibility or to subscribe to premium content from other creators.

Minds differentiates itself from platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube by prioritizing user data privacy and offering a decentralized architecture, intended to be resistant to censorship and manipulation. The platform's open-source nature encourages community involvement in its development and moderation. While Minds promotes freedom of speech, it also has community guidelines in place to address illegal content and harassment, striving to balance free expression with responsible platform governance. Its goal is to empower users by giving them greater control over their data and their social media experience.