The rapid rise of social media outlets like YouTube, Facebook and Twitter has transformed how humans communicate. But it has also consolidated conversations into a select group of major platforms. Now, some independent inventors seek to decentralize social media in order to broaden popular conversation and give users ownership of their data.
One prominent innovator trying to turn the tide is Tantek Çelik, who promotes the “independent web movement” via a network called IndieWebCamp. The Turkish-American computer-scientist and inventor co-created IndieWebCamp in 2014. They collaborate empower individuals who want to create and own the content they publish online.
IndieWebCamp, which launched in 2010, represents an effort to coordinate a community of independent developers. These creators develop new web tools that can eventually provide a robust alternative to the mainstream social networking and media companies. The goal is to give users ownership of their own social media presence.
A User-Owned Social Media Alternative
Çelik’s “IndieWeb” concept aspires to provide individuals with the tools and power to own their own content and data. They hope to remove the reliance on large tech corporations that control platforms. He envisions connected internet presences without the mediation of other parties: a social media landscape without the risk of personal data being compromised or sold to third parties.
“Because we believe in the value of human interaction and connection we also hold events,” he explains in describing the regular workshops IndieWebCamp organizes. Coders involved in IndieWebCamp frequently gather at events around the world. There, they exchange ideas and collaborate on building their own – and owned – online presence.
In order to join, creators can sign up for free camps held in various locations. Upcoming camps include a session in Berlin on November 23; in San Francisco on December 7; and in Austin on February, 22.
Tantek Çelik’s Industry Experience
While IndieWebCamp marks the beginning of Çelik’s more recent efforts, his earlier work offers a wide portfolio.
After earning degrees in computer science at Stanford University, Çelik worked at Oracle and Apple in software engineering roles. He then moved to Microsoft, where he helped develop the first Mac version of Internet Explorer 5.
While IndieWebCamp is something of a passion project, Çelik has not left the world of corporate technology entirely. He currently works as the web standards lead at Mozilla, the company behind the Firefox browser. At Mozailla, he continues his advocacy by developing standards and technologies for an open web.
Tantek Çelik Owns a Unique Social Media Presence
Çelik’s own social media presence echoes the idea behind IndieWeb. For example, in 2006 he nabbed one of the very first Twitter accounts. He has held on to the rare handle “@t” ever since. The simple and unique moniker “@t” helps Çelik stand out among 350 million Twitter users.
Because these rare Twitter handles are highly coveted, owners of similar rare handles report receiving offers up to $40,000 to sell. Likely, Çelik has turned down thousands of dollars for “@t”.
That commitment to owning his online identity reflects the spirit and principle driving IndieWebCamp.
