
The BetaKit Podcast Channel Can Canada build its own social network?
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Oct 14, 2025 Ben Waldman, CEO of Gander Social, is on a mission to create a Canadian social network focused on sovereignty. He discusses why traditional platforms are failing and highlights the importance of technological sovereignty in building a better online experience. Waldman shares user feedback advocating for less manipulation and safer interactions, and elaborates on Gander's strategy to monetize without ads. With a commitment to civic-minded moderation and a unique Canadian cultural perspective, Gander aims to redefine social networking.
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Time To Build Better Social Media
- Ben Waldman realized existing platforms won't be fixed and open protocols now let users take back their data.
- He believes it's time to build better social media rather than hope incumbents change.
Sovereignty Is Technically Hard
- Technological sovereignty is far harder than saying it; hosting on truly sovereign cloud and open source is a heavy lift.
- Ben now sees sovereignty as only part of the challenge, with moderation and policy also demanding major effort.
Early Access Shaped The Product
- Gander ran participatory design with ~35,000 early access users to learn real preferences.
- Users consistently rejected manipulative ads and algorithmic feeds during those sessions.
