The Most Technologically Advanced Social Media Ecosystem

Right from its inception, social media has proven to be a disruptive force. Its effects are discernible in all areas of our living. A rise in their uptake serves to illustrate further their significance today and indeed tomorrow. Not only do they afford us opportunities to socialize with family and friends, but they are also a means of information, entertainment, and economic advancement. We can expect a further increase in their usage as they integrate newer functions.

Increased usage of social media raises a myriad of issues. Not least of these is their free use vis a vis regulation, the level of security they offer the users, and their ability to accord them the privacy that they desire. Existing social media platforms fall short of guaranteeing the above three. In turn, this has opened doors for the development of alternatives. Stratus, the soon to launch social media ecosystem from Apollo Fintech, is a perfect example. Here's how it intends to tackle these issues.

Protecting Freedom of Speech

The freedom to self-express is one of the fundamental rights of a human being. Although social media platforms are private entities and members governed by an agreed set of norms, they are an essential avenue for public engagement. Guaranteeing freedom of speech within the confines of the law at times proves to be a challenge to existing Social media platforms. While taking cognizance of this, Stratus will endeavor to uphold the right to free speech within the confines of the law.

Challenge

Users of social media in certain jurisdictions find their rights to self-expression gagged. The government's crackdown on social media use is the natural order in those countries. Often this is done with the pretext of protecting public order and peace, a lame excuse for silencing dissent, some of which could be legitimate.

Social media platforms have also come under fire for instituting in-house censorship. These make deliberate efforts to dictate what users post on them. Facebook, for instance, has tried to define what a trending topic is and attracted criticism for pursuing different standards of regulations to different people. Case in point is President Donald Trump's controversial use of the platform.

Solution

While freedom of expression isn't negotiable, responsibility must dictate how we exercise it. Stratus will judiciously uphold the right to free speech and not censor content unless it borders on the illegal. A sample of the material qualifying for censorship includes propagating hate speech, misrepresentation of fact, indecency, and harassment.

Secondly, Apollo's famed blockchain hosts Stratus. The latter will, therefore, instantly derive the former's robust infrastructure. The blockchain has a secure code capable of withstanding the most advanced firewalls. Similarly, the use of end to end encryption and virtual private networks (VPN), affords the user greater control over their social media use.

Assuring User Security

For many users of social media, security is paramount. Advancements in technology have increased the vulnerabilities users are susceptible to. Robust defenses against these threats go a long way in boosting user confidence in them.

Challenge

Hackings and attempted hijacking are almost cliche' in social media parlance. Illegal access to both the platform and individual accounts is commonplace.

Phishing is a more subtle means of gaining unauthorized access. The attacker sends the victim what on face value looks legit info enticing them to reveal sensitive details such as login credentials.

These activities don't discriminate against who they target. The high and low are equally vulnerable. A telling reminder of their reach is the recent mass hacking on Twitter that affected among others retired U.S president Barack Obama's account. The intention is to expose confidential information or execute a scam. Apart from service disruptions, they injure reputations and could result in financial loss.

Solution

First of all, Apollo's blockchain will host Stratus. It is impenetrable hence incorruptible. Its Quantum resistant capability is pure genius. Together with the use of solid end to end encryption, this will secure exchanges.

Additionally, Stratus will rigorously vet new accounts. Its verification process will weed out fake accounts intent on harming other users.

Moreover, the blockchain's immutable nature makes it easy to trace and provide evidence of foul activity. The information posted is permanently stored, hindering the use of temporary accounts that one quickly deactivates on realizing the dubious motive.

Although the platforms on the ecosystem are interlinked, they occur as standalone entities. One's presence on one is independent of theirs on another. Each platform allows the user to create a unique presence.

Furthermore, both wallets on the platform have robust encryption. One is guaranteed safe transactions, whichever wallet they choose.

Safeguarding User Privacy

Social media's continued mainstreaming has left a large footprint of private data housed by social media platforms. There are rising concerns about how accessible private information is to the administrators and other users of a social media platform. The fears cut across the storage, re-use, and allowing third-party access to confidential data.

Challenge

It is a fact that social media companies collect user data. On signing up, one provides personal details not restricted to name, date of birth, and location. Many platforms deploy artificial intelligence and algorithms that track a user's behavior while on them.

Usually, the above goes on without the user's consent. Users may unwittingly oblige the platforms to share the data that they (users) generate. They then monetize the wealth of data mined this way by passing it on to other parties like marketers. It explains why one will see ads relating to their online presence over time.

Solution

In responding to this concern, Stratus will not share private data with third parties. According to Apollo's Stephen McCullah, the social media ecosystem will adopt a different revenue model. Instead of looking at selling user data to build revenue, it will encourage uptake by allowing access to services in a more straightforward, cheaper, and convenient way.

Endnote

In a sense, social media has turned our lives into an open book. The platforms we frequent have tons of data on our online presence. Even though we trust that they will exercise good judgment in using this, that isn't always a guarantee. The existing platforms have so far failed on that score. But it isn't they aren't the only ones posing threats to us. Other users infringe on our freedoms, security, and privacy. This knowledge invites us to think of alternatives to which Stratus is contending strongly. Its robust build on Apollo blockchain will guarantee users freedom, safety, and privacy they have been yearning for.