A new participatory platform called FreeOurFeeds is emerging as a response to concerns over the influence of tech billionaires like Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg on social media. Launched by researchers and entrepreneurs from Canada and Europe,this initiative aims to empower users to reclaim control over their social feeds,which they believe have been compromised by profit-driven motives and misinformation. The project comes on the heels of ZuckerbergS recent announcement that Meta’s platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, will allow users to assess the accuracy of information themselves, raising further questions about content moderation and user experience.Bluesky, the emerging social media platform, has experienced a remarkable surge in user engagement, skyrocketing from 10 million to 27 million users in just three months. This growth coincides with a shift in content moderation policies on X, leading many disillusioned users to seek alternatives. Founded by leaders from the Mozilla Foundation and other tech innovators, Bluesky aims to reclaim social media as a digital public square, free from corporate control and profit-driven agendas. Philippe Beaudoin, a key figure in the project, emphasizes the platform’s user-kind design, which fosters community and encourages users to stay. as Bluesky continues to expand, the challenge remains to cultivate a diverse and vibrant ecosystem on its open infrastructure.FreeOurFeeds is on a mission to raise $30 million to establish a foundation that will ensure the independence and functionality of the decentralized AT Protocol,which powers the social network Bluesky. Originally developed by former Twitter employees in 2019, the AT Protocol aims to provide a secure and reliable means of user authentication, content discoverability, and network interoperability. As Bluesky seeks to carve out its niche in a competitive social media landscape, it faces challenges from established platforms utilizing their own interoperability protocols, such as ActivityPub. The initiative emphasizes the importance of preventing control by a single entity, promoting a more democratic and user-centric online surroundings.The rise of decentralized social media platforms is gaining momentum, with Mastodon and other services leveraging the open protocol ActivityPub to create a more interconnected online experience. This emerging network, often referred to as the “Fediverse,” allows users to share content seamlessly across various platforms, including Threads and Pixelfed. Recently, Mastodon’s CEO, Eugen Rochko, announced plans to transition the platform into a nonprofit institution, aiming to prevent centralized ownership and promote user autonomy. As digital citizens increasingly seek alternatives to conventional social media, the potential for a diverse and interoperable social landscape is becoming a reality, inviting more users to join this innovative movement. For more insights, visit The Verge.
Time.news Exclusive Interview: Exploring the Rise of Decentralized Social Media with Expert Philippe beaudoin
Editor: Welcome, Philippe.There’s a notable trend in social media towards decentralized platforms, notably with initiatives like FreeOurFeeds and Bluesky gaining traction. Can you explain what spurred this shift?
Philippe Beaudoin: Thank you for having me. The shift towards decentralization has largely been driven by user dissatisfaction with how customary platforms, dominated by tech billionaires like Zuckerberg and Musk, handle content moderation and personal data. Many users feel their feeds are manipulated for profit, losing trust in these central authorities. Platforms like FreeOurFeeds aim to empower users by reclaiming control over their content, addressing issues of misinformation and profit-driven agendas.
Editor: FreeOurFeeds has a remarkable goal of raising $30 million to support its mission. How does this initiative plan to ensure users take back ownership of their online experience?
Philippe Beaudoin: their mission revolves around establishing a foundation that will maintain the independence and functionality of the decentralized AT Protocol,which is essential for the operation of Bluesky. This protocol enhances user authentication and content discoverability while promoting network interoperability across various platforms. the goal is to create a robust and democratic online habitat free from single-entity control, making social media more inclusive and user-focused.
Editor: Speaking of Bluesky, its user base has rapidly expanded from 10 million to 27 million in just three months. What do you think is driving this rapid growth?
Philippe beaudoin: Bluesky’s growth correlates with recent changes in content moderation policies on X, which lead many users to seek option platforms. bluesky was founded by innovators from the Mozilla foundation, and it endeavors to create a platform that operates as a digital public square, facilitating community engagement without corporate constraints. This “user-kind” design is critical for fostering a loyal user community, and as we build more valuable features, we expect this growth to continue.
Editor: As Bluesky and similar platforms rise, what challenges do they face in maintaining a healthy ecosystem?
Philippe Beaudoin: One of the main challenges is how to cultivate a diverse and vibrant ecosystem on our open infrastructure. As platforms like Mastodon leverage protocols such as ActivityPub to interconnect users across the Fediverse,Bluesky must also ensure it provides seamless interoperability. It’s vital for us to prevent control from a single entity while encouraging innovation and user autonomy in this competitive landscape.
Editor: You mentioned the Fediverse and interoperability; how does this concept enhance the user experience on decentralized platforms?
Philippe Beaudoin: The Fediverse represents a network of interconnected platforms using open protocols that allow users to interact across different services seamlessly. This connectivity enhances user experiences by promoting content sharing and engagement without the constraints of traditional, centralized platforms.As a notable example,users on Mastodon can interact with those on Threads or Pixelfed,enriching their digital interactions and ensuring that they aren’t siloed within just one service.
Editor: As the social media landscape evolves, what practical advice can you offer to users exploring these decentralized alternatives?
Philippe Beaudoin: For users looking to adopt decentralized platforms, I encourage them to explore how different services align with their values of privacy, autonomy, and community engagement. Participation in platforms that prioritize user control—like FreeOurFeeds and Bluesky—enables individuals to contribute to a more democratic online experience. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different services within the Fediverse,as each offers unique functionalities and community dynamics.
Editor: Thank you, Philippe, for shedding light on these exciting developments in decentralized social media. It’s fascinating to see how these initiatives aim to reshape our digital interactions.
Philippe Beaudoin: My pleasure. It’s an invigorating time for social media, and I’m excited to see how these platforms evolve and empower users moving forward.