What is Truth Social that PM Modi just joined? Know how it is different from Twiitter/X

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday joined Truth Social, a social media platform founded by US President Donald Trump.

The PM’s first post on the platform expressed his eagerness to engage with users, stating, 'Delighted to be on Truth Social! Looking forward to interacting with all the passionate voices here.' The move followed Trump’s recent share of Modi’s interview with podcaster Lex Fridman on the platform.

Understanding Truth Social

Launched in February 2022 by Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG), Truth Social positions itself as a free-speech alternative to mainstream platforms like Twitter/X.

It gained prominence after Trump was banned from major platforms in 2021. The platform caters to users seeking fewer content restrictions, though its minimal moderation policies have drawn criticism.

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Truth Social: Key Features

Posts and Shares: User content is termed 'Truths,' while shared posts are called 'Re-Truths,' mirroring Twitter/X’s 'tweets' and 'retweets.'

Moderation Policies: Emphasizes free speech with limited content regulation, though it faced temporary bans from app stores for policy violations.

User Interface: Functions similarly to Twitter/X, offering feeds, likes, comments, polls, and direct messaging (with optional auto-deletion).

Accessibility: Available via iOS, Android, and web browsers.

How It Differs from Twitter/X

Ownership and Vision: Truth Social is owned by Trump’s TMTG and focuses on unrestricted political discourse. Twitter/X, rebranded under Elon Musk in 2022, aims to evolve into a multifunctional 'everything app,' integrating features like payments and video calls.

Content Moderation: While both platforms advocate free expression, Truth Social’s policies are notably laxer, attracting niche, often conservative users. Twitter/X maintains stricter moderation despite Musk’s pro-free-speech stance.

Terminology: Truth Social uses unique terms like 'Truths,' whereas Twitter/X has shifted to generic labels like 'posts.'

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How to Sign Up

To join Truth Social:

1. Users must be at least 18 years old.

2. Provide a valid phone number and email for verification.

3. Download the app on iOS (15+) or Android (8.0+) devices.

4. No payment is required—the platform is free.

While the platform’s user base remains smaller than Twitter/X’s, its appeal lies in its anti-censorship branding. However, experts caution that its lenient moderation could amplify misinformation.

As alt-tech platforms like Truth Social grow, their role in shaping political narratives and balancing free speech with accountability will likely stay subject to debate.