The Fediverse And The Future Of The Social Web: For Policymakers

Federated social networks, collectively known as the "fediverse," are emerging as a promising alternative to centralized social media platforms. These networks, such as Mastodon, Threads, and BlueSky, offer a decentralized approach to online interaction. However, the shift to a decentralized model introduces new policy challenges and questions about governance, moderation, remuneration, and inclusivity.

The discussion will cover critical topics such as data ownership, content moderation, and accessibility, emphasizing the need for effective policy frameworks to guide the future of federated networks. We'll discuss the business models that support moderation, as well as the complex dynamics of centralized versus decentralized control. The conversation will also explore the promises and limitations of federated social networks, along with legal and privacy concerns, competition, and the broader context of decentralized online governance.

Key Discussion Questions:

• In what ways do federated social networks like Mastodon, Threads, and BlueSky offer alternatives to traditional social media, and what improvements are still needed to fully realize this potential?
• How can policymakers and developers collaborate to create standards for interoperability and data portability across federated networks while preserving user privacy and control?