A new app launches today which aims to create both a viable social network and dating service for members of the BDSM and leather communities. KNKI, as the app is called, seeks to carve out a space free from the censorship that often accompanies posting adult content on sites like Instagram and Facebook. However, not content to merely be some sort of adult-themed Kinkstagram, the app also hopes to connect like-minded individuals in the BDSM community for both on and offline play.

The company describes the app as a "dating app" that simultaneously assists with "keeping up with your entire kinky social network." And just to make sure there's no confusion, the company further adds that they're "a social network for BDSM as well as dating app."

Based out of New York, the makers of KNKI have already found at least one interested party in the Bay Area — (surprise, surprise) Kink.com.

“When KNKI approached us with the platform, we immediately got it,” Kink.com's head of social media Jessica Reid explained in a press release. “As a sexual community, we have to walk on eggshells on most social networks, even when doing basic education and activism. KNKI gives us an opportunity to have those discussions without worrying about whether we’ll be banned.”

KNKI founder Carl Sandler detailed in the same release his motivation to build the app.

"This is an exciting time for the community," wrote Sandler. "More and more people are able to talk about sexuality and identity openly, and I wanted to create a mobile app that matched the new power.”

The app is free to download, and, like many social media companies, KNKI hopes to enlist city-specific "ambassadors" to spread word of the brand. Perhaps unlike other companies hoping to play in the social media sandbox, however, KNKI lists being "an active member of the BDSM community" as one of the ambassador prerequisites.

Notably, as part of the "KNKI code," the company prominently declares its ambassadors "will never engage in, or turn a blind eye to, dangerous or non-consensual behavior in our community." While this seems like a no-brainer, it is perhaps notable in light of recent allegations of sexual assault made against repeated Kink.com performer James Deen (Kink.com cuts ties with the adult star after the allegations began to surface).

Time will tell if KNKI is here to stay, but if a company that melds BDSM play with app dating can get a foothold anywhere, SF will likely be the place.

All previous BDSM coverage on SFist.

Screengrab of the app via Twitter.