Issam Hijazi launched UpScrolled, a social media platform with unique, transparent policies, in July 2025. Despite skepticism, it rapidly grew to over five million users, challenging tech giants.

Hijazi's motivations stem from his Palestinian heritage and concerns about tech complicity in global atrocities. His ethical stance has resonated, but now faces scrutiny for content moderation.

Initially launched as a response to alleged censorship on other platforms, UpScrolled offers an algorithm-free chronological feed and vows never to share user data with commercial entities.

While its user-friendly design aims to mimic familiar social media experiences, UpScrolled's journey shows that creating an ethical alternative is no easy feat. Can it stand the test of time?