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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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.
Verify Humans Without ID Uploads
- Require verified human users to reduce bots and manipulation while avoiding mandatory ID checks.
- Use Interac payments (not Interac ID) to confirm Canadians and age without storing sensitive documents.
Cultural Space Over Geographic Walls
- Users want less U.S. political saturation and more Canadian cultural content and creators.
- Cultural sovereignty means controlling feed weight, not isolating from the wider federated network.