A new Danish social media platform, Meningspunktet, has launched with the goal of offering an ad-free, verified, and locally anchored alternative to Big Tech networks, aiming to create a digitally safe space for public conversation in Denmark.
A Local Answer to Global Tech Giants
A new social media initiative is seeking to redefine Danish digital life by reducing reliance on large international tech corporations. Named “Meningspunktet” (translated as “Point of View”), the platform officially launched this week with the aim of becoming Denmark’s “digital town square.” Unlike dominant players such as Facebook and X (formerly Twitter), this platform insists on identity verification and local relevance.
Meningspunktet is deliberately engineered to increase trust, safety, and democratic engagement by connecting users first and foremost based on where they live. Users are linked to their local municipality, enabling direct interaction with nearby community members, local news, civic events, and political debates. However, the platform also includes national-level content for those interested in broader societal issues.
Danish Social Media Platform Designed Without Algorithms or Ads
One of Meningspunktet’s core principles is its departure from the attention economy model. The Danish Social Media platform does not use manipulative algorithms designed to maximize user screen time, nor does it rely on advertising revenue funded by personal data collection.
Instead, commercial actors such as businesses, political parties, and media organizations must pay a subscription fee to participate. Regular users can sign up and use the platform for free. This model aims to eliminate the economic incentives that, the founders argue, have created toxic online environments elsewhere.
By avoiding algorithmic feeds, unwanted advertisements, and exploitative data practices, Meningspunktet aims to foster discussion rather than division. The platform strictly excludes bots and anonymous accounts and verifies all users through Denmark’s government-approved digital ID system, MitID.
All Data Stored in Denmark
Security and data sovereignty are central promises of the platform. All data is stored physically within Denmark, specifically on servers at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) in Lyngby. This server infrastructure has been developed over ten years with the support of Danish governmental institutions and is built to comply with national cybersecurity standards.
Importantly, Meningspunktet does not store MitID credentials after verification, ensuring that only minimal data is retained for operational purposes. According to the platform, these practices ensure resistance against potential foreign interference and provide a significantly higher level of digital trust.
Danish Social Media Filling a Gap in the Market
The platform arrives as public skepticism toward Big Tech continues to grow. Social media networks like Facebook and Instagram – both owned by Meta – have come under increasing criticism for spreading misinformation, facilitating political polarization, and undermining mental health. In Denmark, over 70 percent of adults use Facebook, and concerns about the platform’s influence on public discourse have prompted calls for stronger regulation and alternatives.
Meningspunktet’s founders see their platform as part of a democratic responsibility to reclaim digitally mediated discourse. They argue that while global connectivity has benefits, it should not replace local engagement and political accountability.
Verification as a Central Feature
To sign up, users must verify their identity using MitID. This eliminates the problem of fake users, foreign bots, and anonymous trolling. In particular, the platform aims to guard against misinformation campaigns such as those tied to Russian influence operations or politicized manipulation seen during previous U.S. election cycles.
This emphasis on verified identity seeks not only to ensure secure communication but also to hold users accountable for their contributions to public dialogue. The platform’s founders argue this creates a safer and more respectful environment.
Challenges Ahead
Meningspunktet faces a significant uphill battle. Competing with internationally established platforms that dominate global communication will be challenging. Facebook alone had 3.05 billion monthly active users globally as of Q1 2024, and YouTube remains the top video platform in Denmark. Besides of the large enterprises, also other Danish platforms are competing for the consumers attention.
However, the platform’s creators believe that its focus on user dignity, privacy, and local identity offers a refreshing and necessary alternative for Danish internet users. Whether that belief will translate into widespread adoption remains to be seen. For now, Meningspunktet stands as a uniquely Danish answer to an increasingly centralized and opaque digital ecosystem.
