Yik Yak, The Anonymous App That Tested Free Speech, Is Back

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A March 28, 2014, photo illustration shows the Yik Yak app in the Google Play store. A new version is only available currently in the Apple app store in the U.S.

Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images

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Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images

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Yik Yak Tests Universities’ Defense Of Free Speech

During the height of its popularity, the company raised $73 million and was once valued at around $400 million in 2014, according to TechCrunch.

In April 2017, the company announced the app would be shutting down following a decline in its engagement from users — by the end of 2016, user downloads had dropped 76% in comparison to 2015.

The new company takes a strong stance against hate speech and bullying

Before shutting down in 2017, Yik Yak was the subject of hate speech and cyberbullying across high school and college campuses.

But with the newly launched app, owners say they’re committed to taking a strong stance against threats and other abuse.

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«On the new Yik Yak, it’s against the Community Guardrails to post bullying messages or use hate speech, make threats, or share anyone’s private information, the company says on its website.

It says if a user bullies another person, uses hate speech, makes a threat, or in any way seriously violates the company’s policies, they could be immediately banned from Yik Yak.

«We’re committed to making Yik Yak a fun place free of bullying, threats, and all sort of negativity, the company said.

The app’s return drew mixed responses on Twitter, with some people worried that it would prompt more «toxicity in the world and others joking about being able to complain anonymously about college life.

Everyone: There's a lot of toxicity in the world, we don't need more

Yik Yak: pic.twitter.com/92Cu2H7BBj

— John (@artpopstan420) August 16, 2021

I only want yik yak back if everyone's location is set to their undergrad campus so we can all anonymously complain about college life together again. Simpler times

— Victoria, recluse-bane??️ (@victoriagraupp) August 16, 2021

The new Yik Yak is currently only available to iOS users to download in the U.S., but the company says it’s planning to expand to more countries and devices in the near future.