Archive · 9 Oct 2026
Orkut Founder Seeks Support for a More Human Internet
Orkut was a social network that became popular in places such as Brazil and India.
Google shut it down in 2014.
Now its founder, Orkut Büyükkökten, has put up a website asking people whether they want a new social network.
The site is collecting signatures, but that does not mean the network has launched.
Büyükkökten says he wants online spaces to feel more human.
He imagines communities built around shared interests instead of feeds designed to keep people scrolling.
He also raises concerns about bots and AI-generated content.
The idea is still a proposal, and its final form is not known.
Orkut founder Orkut Büyükkökten has launched a website and petition gauging support for a new social network.
The initiative presents itself as a possible reimagining of Orkut, not a confirmed return of its old platform.
Büyükkökten says the project would prioritize real people, interest-based communities, and genuine connection.
The site describes concerns about generative AI, bots, deepfakes, and algorithm-driven feeds.
Google shut down the original Orkut in September 2014 after its popularity was challenged by newer social platforms.
- Who
- Orkut founder Orkut Büyükkökten is seeking public support for a proposed new social network.
- What
- A website and petition are gauging interest in a reimagined network focused on human connection; no new network launch is confirmed.
- When
- The website is currently live; the article gives no specific launch date for a new network.
- Where
- The petition is online and invites support from people worldwide.
- Why
- Büyükkökten says he wants an internet centered on real people and communities rather than algorithmic feeds and AI-generated or automated content.
- Founder
- Orkut Büyükkökten
- Current initiative
- A website and public petition to gauge demand for a new social network
- Proposed focus
- Authentic people, interest-based communities, and genuine connection
- Original launch
- January 2004
- Original shutdown
- September 2014
- Status
- The site is collecting signatures; a new network has not been confirmed as launched.