Denmark launches alternative to Facebook « Euro Weekly News

Two Danish brothers are taking on the tech giants with a bold new project. Their mission? To bring back real conversations and rebuild digital communities — without fake profiles, invasive ads, or data tracking. The platform is Meningspunktet, which was officially launched this week in Denmark.

It’s not just another social media app. It’s a response to what many users say they are tired of — endless scrolling, fake news, trolls, and the feeling of being watched online. With Meningspunktet, the focus is on meaningful conversation, transparency, and local connection.

A Danish vision

The idea comes from Tue Oxenvad, who first thought of building a Danish alternative to platforms like Facebook and Instagram back in 2011. But it wasn’t until recently that the idea became real. In January, he asked his brother Jakob to join him, bringing Meningspunktet to life together.

They’ve done it without big investors or government funding. The brothers have paid for everything themselves, using their pension savings. Their goal is simple: to create a safe, respectful, and useful social media space for Danish users.

Built on trust

What makes Meningspunktet different from other platforms? For starters, users must log in using MitID, the secure Danish digital ID system. This means there are no anonymous accounts, bots, or trolls hiding behind fake names.

Users are also asked to give their municipality so that they can see posts from their own area. The idea is to encourage real-life connections and conversations between neighbours, local associations, businesses, and politicians.

It’s a return to the local community — online.

No data mining, no noise

Unlike Facebook and other global platforms, Meningspunktet doesn’t sell your data or track your activity. All data stays in Denmark and the EU, stored securely on Danish servers, including the powerful Computerome supercomputer in Risø.

There are no endless, random posts designed to keep you scrolling. Instead, the platform is clean, focused, and respectful. It wants to be part of your life, not take it over.

The brothers say the goal is to help people feel safe and heard, not manipulated. This means fewer ads, more relevant content, and no addictive algorithms.

Free for citizens

Meningspunktet is free to use for ordinary citizens. Businesses can pay to advertise, but only in their local area. That means no irrelevant ads or massive campaigns targeting users nationwide. A plumber in Odense, for example, can reach potential clients nearby, not users in Aarhus or Copenhagen.

This hyperlocal model also gives small businesses a better chance to connect with their community.

A new era?

It’s not Europe’s first attempt to build social media alternatives. Many past efforts failed to gain traction. But according to digital experts, the time might finally be right.

Professor Mikkel Flyverbom from Copenhagen Business School says trust in American platforms like Facebook, X, and TikTok has dropped in recent years. Concerns about data security, misinformation, and political manipulation have changed how people think about social media.

He believes Meningspunktet could offer something people want: transparency, control, and digital independence.

“Before Donald Trump became president, there wasn’t much interest in local alternatives,” he says. “But now, many people realise we’re too dependent on American tech companies.”

A Scandinavian movement

In Norway, a similar social platform called Hudd has already seen success. In just six months, it gained 120,000 users. Like Meningspunktet, it is focused on real identities, community values, and user control.

The launch of Meningspunktet shows that Scandinavia may be leading the way in rethinking how we connect online. Instead of shouting into the global void, people want to speak — and be heard — in their communities.

A risky road

Despite the excitement, the road ahead won’t be easy. Competing with global tech giants is a massive challenge. Most Danes still use Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok daily. Changing habits takes time.

There’s also the financial risk. With no outside investment, the Oxenvad brothers are taking a personal gamble. A fast increase in users could drive up costs, especially regarding server space and data protection. That’s why they are hoping to secure media support and public funding to keep the platform running.

Still, the brothers remain hopeful.

“I don’t want to lie on my deathbed thinking I never gave it a shot,” Tue says.

A platform for all

At its core, Meningspunktet is about creating a space where people feel at home. Whether it’s a local football match, a school fundraiser, or a debate about city planning, the platform invites users to take part in the issues that matter to them.

As more people search for alternatives to the big tech giants, Denmark’s Meningspunktet might just be pointing the way forward.