European social network W launches first public version

The European‑focused social platform W released its first public version, positioning itself as an alternative to Elon Musk's X. Announced at the Davos forum in January, the Sweden‑based network requires users to verify their identity with a passport or ID scan at registration, while still allowing pseudonyms for communication.

European officials have endorsed the service; Portuguese President of the European Council Antonio Costa posted the inaugural message, praising the platform’s European‑hosted data and emphasis on combating disinformation. W joins other emerging European initiatives such as Bulle and Monnett, which aim to offer local competition to dominant US and Asian services like Meta's Facebook/Instagram, TikTok and X.

The launch reflects growing EU interest in digital sovereignty, but the network faces the challenge of gaining users in a market still dominated by established global platforms.