Ello is another social network that has been gaining popularity speedily due its motto of refraining from using advertisements. This social network was created by Paul Budnitz and Todd Berger on March 2014. Ello stated itself as a benefit corporation on October 2014. It has taken a strong stance against advertisements and has promised to never sell user data saying ‘You Are Not A Product’.
Ello was initiated by a team of seven artists and programmers. The public version was launched after a year. The main investors, Fresh Tracks Capital, made a major investment of $ 435,000 in January to provide a support for the company. Its aim of distinguishing itself from Facebook earned it a reputation, as people joined Ello in great numbers. It further gained popularity when members of LGBTQ community left Facebook after the policy of real name enforced by Facebook. It was however processing 30,000 signups per hour during this time.
Facebook’s claim that they have the authority to use the user’s data had tarnished the trust of its users. Ello’s entry in the web was welcomed. It is gaining popularity around the globe except for Pakistan. People here are still excited about using Facebook but it is hoped that Ello will soon be recognized in Pakistan in the future for its ad free environment.