Tweakers · Technology

Hyves returns after thirteen years

The Dutch social networking site Hyves, which ceased operations thirteen years ago, is being relaunched by owner Mediahuis. The site promises a European alternative to existing social media, with an emphasis on nostalgia and privacy.

Mediahuis is bringing Hyves back as a social media site and app, retaining iconic features such as 'krabbels' (scribbles) and 'WieWatWaars' (WhoWhatWheres). The publisher states that there is a need for a European social medium without addictive algorithms. User data will be stored in Europe.

The new Hyves offers a feed with posts from friends, without posts from non-friends and without algorithms that try to hold attention. Nostalgia plays a role, as many Dutch people would try the platform for that reason, according to research.

Digital sovereignty is a driving force; user data is hosted on European servers. The platform was built by Apadmi and is hosted by Scaleway.

The launch is a soft launch with a limited number of new accounts per day. Old accounts are not accessible. Future features include private chats, birthdays, and a friends' book.

From next year, advertisements will be introduced, such as sponsored posts and native ads, but without disruptive elements like pop-ups.

Hyves was the most popular social network in the Netherlands between 2005 and 2010, but lost ground to competitors like Facebook and Twitter. Its popularity declined after its acquisition by Telegraaf Media Groep (now Mediahuis) in 2010, after which the site was shut down in 2013.

AI-samenvatting op basis van de bron.