Social Media Is Broken
Profit-First Platforms
Algorithms push outrage, not value.
Creator Exploitation
Creators are underpaid, overworked, and powerless.
Trust Deficit
TikTok faces bans. No trusted ethical alternative exists.
The Opportunity
We built Back Channel because people deserve a better platform:
Privacy & Ownership
You control your data — not Big Tech.
Fair Creator Pay
Creators earn transparently and fairly.
Truth & Democracy
No secret feed tuned only to maximize engagement. Today videos play in a straightforward feed—we're not running a personalized "discovery" engine.
Our Solution
Back Channel is the first social video platform built on ethics.
Transparency
We're honest about how the app works. Today the feed is simple and non-personalized—not a black-box recommendation system.
Ethics
10 founding principles that guide every decision we make.
User Empowerment
The platform evolves with community input — not corporate agendas.
Our 10 Commandments
Humanity Over Profit
Users come first, always.
No Hidden Algorithms
Aim: transparent feeds—not an invisible "for you" machine.
Fair Creator Pay
Aim: fair treatment for creators—without mystery rules.
Truth Over Virality
Truth matters; we use tools and review thoughtfully as we scale.
The 10 Commandments — In Full
These are the principles that guide every decision we make at Back Channel.
Humanity Over Profit, Always.
We exist to serve people, not shareholders. Revenue supports the mission — it never drives it. If a choice must be made between making money or doing right by our users, we will always choose the latter.
Your Data Belongs to You.
We will never sell your personal information. Ever. Your data is yours — to control, download, or delete. Privacy isn't a feature; it's a human right.
No Hidden Algorithms — You're in Control.
We don't want a feed you can't understand. Today Back Channel shows videos in a straightforward way—there's no personalized AI discovery engine deciding what you see next. Over time we'll add clearer controls and explainability so your experience stays understandable—not a black-box system tuned only for engagement.
Support Creators — With Fair Pay and Fair Pressure.
Without creators, there is no platform. We're building support and monetization to be fair and clear—not a mystery. We won't push creators into a content hamster wheel. Mental health matters. We build tools to support, not pressure, the people who power this app.
Freedom of Expression is Sacred — But Truth Matters.
We protect your right to speak — especially when it's unpopular. But false claims presented as fact — even when polished — may be flagged or labeled using automated tools and human review where appropriate. We believe free speech is not a license to mislead.
Safety Without Censorship.
We actively protect against hate, abuse, and harmful content — but we do it with care, clarity, and accountability. Safety and free speech can coexist.
Transparency Is the Price of Participation.
Malicious behavior hides behind anonymity. That ends here. While we respect privacy, users who engage in toxic or manipulative behavior will not be allowed to do so in the shadows. We surface meaningful transparency — like public comment history, visible community impact, and reputation — so accountability is always part of the experience. This is a space for constructive voices, not faceless harm.
One Account. One Human. No Bots, No Bull.
This is a space for real people — not fake ones that engagement or automated manipulation. We strictly enforce one account per person and actively detect and remove bots, spam, and malicious actors. Authenticity is non-negotiable.
No Kings. No Castles.
Wealth and power will never be hoarded at the top. We cap founder and investor returns, publish transparent financials, and reinvest profits into creators and the community. No one here gets rich at the expense of the people. Influence is earned through contribution, not capital.
Principles Evolve — But Humanity Leads.
These commandments are living, not locked. They can grow, adapt, and improve — but never behind closed doors. Any change must be driven by the best of humanity and shaped through democratic input from the people who use this platform. Our values evolve, but the core remains: humanity first.
Why Now
70% of Gen Z distrusts social algorithms.
TikTok is facing bans, lawsuits, and instability.
Creators are demanding transparency and better pay.
There has never been a more urgent moment for a truly ethical alternative.
What We've Built (MVP)
iOS App Store Launch
A functional MVP is already live.
Core Features
Feed, video upload, profiles, and a growing community. The feed is straightforward today—not a personalized AI recommendation engine.
Brand Foundation
Identity, values, legal structure, and governance are in place.
New in This Release
Clear tools for support, transparency, and healthier watching behavior.
Fan Support
Support creators directly with in-app fan support.
Data Transparency Portal
See more of what affects your account through the Data Transparency Portal.
Skip Protection
Skip protection helps reduce mindless scrolling by encouraging intentional watching.
What's Coming Next
Creator Monetization
Transparent, fair, and built with creators.
Music & Sound (planned)
Licensed music libraries and richer sound tools aren't in the app yet—we're planning them carefully with rights and creators in mind.
Safety Tools
Next-generation moderation built ethically.
Smarter Discovery (planned)
Today we don't run a personalized discovery engine—videos surface in a straightforward feed. If we add discovery later, we'll prioritize clarity and user control, not opaque manipulation.