No going back on Ello’s ‘no ads’ promise

Ello just secured its promise that it will never make money by selling ads or user data.

The new social media platform recently filed as a public benefit corporation, which Ello execs say will make it impossible for investors to require Ello to display ads, sell user data, or sell the company to a buyer that would do so.

It’s an answer to the “giant billboard” the online world has become, according to Paul Budnitz, the company’s chief executive.

Ello’s stand is a stark contrast to that of other social media apps and platforms supporting ads, including Snapchat. Promotional snaps were recently placed into users’ feeds, but only play if a user clicks on it.

A Snapchat representative told CNN the decision came down to one thing:

Understandably, a lot of folks want to know why we’re introducing advertisements to our service. The answer is probably unsurprising – we need to make money.