UpScrolled launches as an alternative to Instagram, without shadowbans or censorship

• Press Release
• FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 2nd, 2025
• afzal@techforpalestine.org

UpScrolled launches as an alternative to Instagram, without shadowbans or censorship

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The Tech for Palestine incubator announces the launch of UpScrolled, a new social media platform built for people who are tired of being shadowbanned, silenced or forced to compromise on their values just to stay visible online. UpScrolled is available on the App Store and Google Play store today.

For years, Palestinian activists and many others have struggled to advocate on platforms like Instagram. Meta calls anti zionism hate speech, shadowbans political voices, and has worked directly with Israeli team members to suppress Palestine advocacy. Despite campaigns and public pressure, nothing has changed. And it doesn’t stop there. Posts about climate justice, LGBTQIA+ rights, and other movements are routinely taken down or buried without explanation.

“Meta is one of the most hated companies out there, who limits our speech and has racist and anti-humanitarian policies. Before now there was no alternative to Instagram, now there is UpScrolled,” says Paul Biggar, founder of Tech for Palestine.

Since the beginning, Tech for Palestine received one request more than any other: build a platform that can finally replace Instagram. Until now, none of the options were good enough. They were too clunky, too empty, or not ready for scale.

That changed with the arrival of UpScrolled, created by Palestinian-Australian founder Issam Hijazi. The app combines the best parts of Instagram and Twitter in one clean experience. You can post photos, videos, stories, text updates, and connect with others without fear of being silenced or buried by an algorithm.

“It’s time for a platform that truly walks the walk on social responsibility while delivering an equal experience for all users,” says Hijazi. “Established platforms like Meta and X have failed to consistently uphold their advertised principles. UpScrolled is here to change the status quo and set a new standard for authentic, principled social media.”

UpScrolled is already live and being used by thousands of creators, organizers, and everyday users around the world. It’s fully functional, tested, and designed to grow.

Early adopters are encouraged to claim their handle now. Because the platform is still new, posts reach more people with less effort. It’s one of those rare moments where being early truly makes a difference.

Whether you're an artist, a small business, or someone who just wants to be online without guilt, UpScrolled gives you the chance to grow your audience without compromising your values.

Legacy platforms punished people for speaking the truth. UpScrolled exists so we don’t have to play by their rules anymore.

**Download UpScrolled today on Google Play and the App Store. **