Peeple

New app allows users to rate, review you without your approval

It's called Peeple and it's expected to launch before 2015 comes to a close. Basically a Yelp for human beings, Peeple will allow users to rate and review you whether you like it or not. Anyone can start someone else's profile as long as they have that person's cell phone number and their own Facebook profile that's been active for at least six months. Once a profile exists for you, you can't opt out and you can't delete bad or biased reviews unless they violate the company's terms of service. 

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Though there are stipulations and rules set in place that are supposed to eliminate bullying, racism, shaming, sexism and any other forms of hate, the company's Facebook page appears to be inundated with mostly negative feedback as several followers air their concerns and disapprovals. “Maybe just don't make it. It's a thoughtless and irresponsible idea,” is one example. As the app enters a beta testing stage, the team claims that they “hear you guys loud and clear,” so maybe some of this feedback will be taken into consideration before launch. According to The Washington Post, one of Peeple's co-founders, Julia Cordray, has stated that if the app's beta testers unanimously demand the option to opt out of the service then they'll include that feature and delay the launch date. There's a slew of FAQs on the website with answers that may or may not further explain the purpose of the app and the way it's expected to run.

“People do so much research when they buy a car or make those kinds of decisions,” says Cordray. “Why not do the same kind of research on other aspects of your life?” She's gone on to say, “As two empathetic, female entrepreneurs in the tech space,” referring to herself and Peeple co-founder Nicole McCullough, “we want to spread love and positivity. We want to operate with thoughtfulness.”

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What are your thoughts on Peeple? Do you see perks and possibilities of positivity within the app or just a way to trash your exes, enemies, horrible bosses and ex-best friends?

Below, you can watch the first in a 10-episode documentary web series the two Peeple co-founders have created to show their journey in creating the app.

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