Jon Willis joined Sean Kelly on the Digital Social Hour to talk about Parler's approach to data privacy and where the platform is headed next. Speaking from his work with Parler, Willis walked through the thinking behind a platform built as an alternative to the data practices of bigger tech companies.
The conversation covers Parler's strategy on user data, its move into streaming with Play TV, and how blockchain and a rewards system fit into its broader vision for social media.
About Jon Willis
Jon Willis works with Parler, the social media platform built around giving users more control over their own data. His role puts him at the center of conversations about how Parler positions itself against much larger competitors in the social media space.
His conversation centers on the technical and business decisions behind Parler's approach — from how the platform handles user information to the products it is building to compete with larger platforms in the space.
What Jon Willis and Sean Kelly Talked About
- Willis's explanation of how Parler approaches data privacy differently from larger social platforms
- His overview of Play TV, Parler's answer to video platforms like YouTube and TikTok
- How blockchain integration and a reward system factor into Parler's platform strategy
- His take on the broader practice of data selling among major technology companies
- Willis's description of Parler's cloud infrastructure and how it supports the platform
- His explanation of Parler's policy against shadow banning users on the platform
- What he sees ahead for Parler as the platform continues to build out its features
- His perspective on how users can take more ownership of their data online
Why This Conversation Matters
For anyone thinking about how data privacy and platform design intersect, Jon Willis's rundown of Parler's approach is a useful look at one company's alternative model, presented in his own words.
▶ Watch the full episode on YouTube
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About Sean Kelly & the Digital Social Hour
Sean Kelly is an entrepreneur and the host of the Digital Social Hour, one of the fastest-growing interview podcasts in the world, where he sits down with entrepreneurs, athletes, creators, and cultural voices for candid, long-form conversations. The show draws over 100 million views a month across platforms. Explore more guest features on SeanKelly.io.
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