A new entrant has stepped into India’s crowded social media landscape with a promise to change the tone of online conversations.
SezUs, a US-based platform that positions itself as an “anti-toxic” social network, launched in India this week, aiming to tackle anonymity, bots, and misinformation through a mix of user verification and community moderation tools.
Central to the platform is a reputation engine that allows members to rate content, prioritising what they want to see while blocking topics or users they find disruptive.
The company says this approach fosters respectful dialogue rather than the algorithm-driven feeds that dominate most platforms.
User authenticity is another focus. Registration requires a verified mobile number, part of an effort to keep bots out.
The company points to data showing that nearly half of 2023’s internet traffic came from bots, and cites India’s high ranking in global misinformation prevalence as a key driver for its local push.
SezUs also incorporates blockchain technology via the Frequency Network, giving users ownership of their identity, followers, and content across compatible platforms.
This “self-sovereign” model, the company says, prevents data exploitation and preserves user control.
The India launch comes with partnerships at the community level, including internships at Thiagarajar College of Engineering in Madurai.
The platform plans to invest in building interest-based groups spanning sports, entertainment, politics, and more, with an eye on attracting content creators.
SezUs COO Akshay Gupta framed the launch as part of a broader shift toward “healthy, civilised engagement between real people.”
Whether that promise resonates in a market dominated by algorithm-heavy incumbents remains to be seen, but in an era of increasing concerns over fake news and online toxicity, the platform’s India debut arrives with a clearly defined mission.