At Web Summit Qatar 2026, a new social media platform called UpScrolled has been drawing significant attention by positioning itself as an ethical alternative to established tech giants. Launched last year, the app has already reached millions of downloads and tops app store charts in countries including the United States, UK, Canada and Australia.

Founder Issam Hijazi used his opening night speech to challenge the current social media model, arguing that large platforms prioritise profit, addiction and data monetisation over user wellbeing and ethics. He said UpScrolled aims to break from that approach, offering a space where people can post photos, videos and text without addictive algorithmic feeds or data selling.