Delighted to say 'Hello' to India again: Orkut founder rolls out new social networking app 

With social media giant Facebook embroiled in data breach scandal, a quest for alternative online networking platforms is turning into reality. According to reports, Orkut's founder has announced the entry of a new social networking platform 'hello' into the Indian market.

Orkut Buyukkokten-led social networking platform, 'Hello', aims is to create positive, meaningful, authentic connections and sustained social engagement, Buyukkokten noted.

"If you look at social media today, it has isolated people instead of bringing them closer. It has become more about broadcasting than sharing. We need a fresh start. Hello is built around interest-based communities where users with same interests can connect, leading to true connections," Buyukkokten told media.

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Buyukkokten-led Orkut was once a social media rage in countries like India and Brazil but was shut down in 2014 with the rise of rival networking websites like Twitter, Facebook and others.

"We started in Brazil in July 2016... About 35,000 users were a part of our beta testing in the Indian market. Orkut was huge in India and I'm delighted to say hello to India once again," Buyukkokten noted.

"When a user signs up, they are asked about five things that they are passionate about and then get recommendations that are non-intrusive. We also ensure that every advertiser has a profile on hello (for greater accountability)," he said adding that no user information is shared with third-party applications.

Buyukkokten's next stop to roll out the application would likely be the US as well as countries like France and Germany.

The 'Hello' application is available in India on App Store and Google Play.

(With inputs from agencies)