Orkut Founder Seeks Support for New Social Network

Orkut Büyükkökten is asking internet users to support a petition for a new social network inspired by Orkut, but he has not confirmed that the original platform will return or announced a launch date. The petition, hosted on orkut.com, calls for a network centered on authentic people, real connections and a sense of belonging. Büyükkökten has described the initiative as an effort to restore a more human approach to social networking. As of October 9, the petition had more than 270,000 signatures, with most reported to be from Brazil. An earlier report counted nearly 265,000 signatures across 118 countries, a snapshot from an earlier reporting time. In an open letter and posts promoting the petition, Büyükkökten criticized social platforms that he says prioritize engagement over meaningful interaction. He also raised concerns about algorithm-driven feeds and artificial intelligence, arguing that technology should support rather than replace human connection. Those comments describe his rationale for the initiative; the petition itself does not establish what a finished service would include. The campaign is a call for support, not confirmation that a platform is being developed.