The controversial Peeple app that stirred a firestorm of criticism a few months back is now launching in the United States, set to hit iOS.
Peeple first made its debut back in early October, shaping up as a nasty app for rating other individuals — somewhat like a Yelp for people. The app model was to allow users to rate everyone they met or interacted with and give them one- to five-star reviews.
If you find this approach a bit too objectifying and mean, you're not alone. The Internet exploded with rage over the concept and raised serious concerns regarding the huge potential for bullying and harassment. Peeple succumbed to pressure one week later and disappeared from the market, going back to the drawing board.
Fast-forward to the present date, and Peeple is now rearing its ugly head once again, ready to launch on iOS in North America.
"Peeple is a social networking reputation app with anti-abuse and accountability features baked right in," reads the press release.
The Peeple Controversy
"In October 2015 Peeple announced itself to the world. The reputation app promised to connect people with each others through honest reviews. The world talked back. People believed Peeple threatened their privacy, was prone to cruel bullying, threats, and abuse."
The announcement goes on to point out the irony of the situation, noting that the developers behind the app ended up being threatened, harassed, "shouted down" on social media and with their privacy invaded.
"People taught Peeple a valuable lesson and now the app is better than ever," adds the press release.
Reputation Tool
The app apparently aims to enable users to better understand others, serving as a tool for building one's reputation. Users can recommend (rate) friends and acquaintances in three areas: professional, personal and dating.
No feedback is anonymous, because reviewers have to own up to what they have to say about others. Moreover, commenters will soon be able to subscribe to a "Truth License," which will be a premium paid version that will display everything ever written about a person (even if it was not published live on their profile).
According to Peeple, this approach will enable people to better evaluate the ones around them by getting "The Truth." In Peeple's vision, "The Truth" is a collection of all recommendations written.
Wait, there's more. Each user gets a "Peeple Number," virtually labeling them with a score mirroring the total recommendations received.
As previously mentioned, Peeple is now available for download on iOS, with no Android version available initially. The app requires users to be at least 21 years old and have an active Facebook account.
