The Tech Policy Press Podcast Governing the Fediverse: A Field Study
Oct 20, 2024
In this discussion, Erin Kissane, a writer and researcher focused on internet communities, unveils insights from her recent report on Fediverse governance. She explores the shift towards decentralized platforms like Mastodon and Bluesky, examining the complex dynamics and collaborations among server operators. The conversation highlights the critical role of content moderation, the variety of governance models, and the need for better resources to support moderators. Kissane emphasizes the importance of cultural considerations and user experiences in shaping this evolving digital landscape.
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Fediverse as Social Media Alternative
- The Fediverse is a promising alternative to centralized social media plagued by surveillance and manipulation.
- It allows users to maintain strong social connections with decentralized governance and less pervasive tracking.
Independent Governance of Servers
- Fediverse servers are independently run and governed based on local norms, creating diverse community experiences.
- This results in a federation of varied server policies rather than uniform centralized moderation.
Fediverse vs Threads and Blue Sky
- Threads and Blue Sky are related to but distinct from Mastodon and the Fediverse due to limited or different protocols.
- The Fediverse remains relatively small with many small or medium servers, unlike large centralized platforms.