Thousands of Facebook users are moving to a new social network site called Ello, NBC News reported.
Ello was launched in July by Paul Budnitz. At first, only a few people joined the site after learning about it from word-of-mouth and invitations from friends.
But now, Budnitz says the site is generating about 4,000 new accounts each hour.
"We can't point to a single cause...It's people from all over the world," Budnitz said about the sudden influx of the site's new members.
As to why people are leaving Facebook for Ello, it may have something to do with the latter's more-desirable privacy policies, according to Beta Beat.
Unlike Facebook, Ello users' personal information are not used for advertising purposes, a fact that was pointed out by Apple CEO Tim Cook in his open letter regarding the company's privacy policies.
"When a network is run for advertisers, the advertiser is really the customer," Budnitz said. "That really goes against what social network is. When you're putting up artwork, or something you wrote or created, and there's an ad for underwear, it conflicts in a violating way."
In addition to being free from ads, users also have the option not to use their real names for their accounts.
Recently, Facebook made headlines after drag queens and transgender performers launched a petition to persuade the social networking giant to change its real-name policy.
According to the petition supporters, due to the nature of their work, using fake names on Facebook allows them to ensure their safety and privacy, Tech Times reported.
"Artists, bloggers, people who are concerned about privacy, people who have had problems with stalkers, celebrities and members of the LGBTQ community sometimes choose not to use their real names - out of personal preference, or protect themselves," Budnitz said.
"All these people are being kicked out of Facebook," he added.
Budnitz explained that his aim for Ello is to create a pure social networking site that's focused on bringing people together. In addition, he wants it to be an online space where people show their true selves.
"You don't have to use your real name to be on Ello," he explained. "We encourage people to be whoever they want to be."
