Austrian platform 'Orbyz' offers internet without hate speech using AI

A social media platform developed in Austria is challenging the dominance of American tech giants by offering a distinct alternative focused on combating hate speech and disinformation. 'Orbyz,' created in collaboration with the Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT), utilizes advanced artificial intelligence to foster a more respectful online environment.

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The AI indicates as a percentage how likely it is that a post contains a problematic formulation.

Ross King, who leads the Data Science & Artificial Intelligence Competence Unit at AIT, explained that the AI models are specifically trained to identify potentially problematic content before it is published. "The AI indicates as a percentage how likely it is that a post contains a problematic formulation," King stated. This proactive approach aims to prevent the spread of harmful content, a stark contrast to the often-criticized moderation policies of larger platforms.

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Our ambition is a digital space that enables constructive, respectful, and civilized dialogue.

Founded by Caroline Gager-Palfy, Orbyz has been online for about a year and boasts around 25,000 downloads from users in over 40 countries. The platform differentiates itself by eschewing advertising and engagement-driven algorithms. Instead, it relies on various subscription models. "The goal is not to generate as many clicks and as long a duration of stay as possible," Gager-Palfy said. "This leads to more factual contributions instead of digital toxicity. Personal data is, of course, not shared."

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The goal is not to generate as many clicks and as long a duration of stay as possible. This leads to more factual contributions instead of digital toxicity.

This subscription-based model, coupled with AI-powered content moderation developed with AIT and guided by EU's Digital Services Act, positions Orbyz as a potential model for a healthier internet. The platform prioritizes constructive and civilized dialogue, aiming to prove that a social media space free from hate and misinformation is achievable without external restrictions.

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Personal data is, of course, not shared.