In an age where billionaires often sway the direction of social media, a new movement has arisen to counterbalance this influence and safeguard digital spaces from monopolistic control. Enter “Free Our Feeds,” a bold initiative spearheaded by a passionate group of international tech entrepreneurs and advocates. Their mission: to protect and foster an open social media ecosystem powered by Bluesky’s AT Protocol, ensuring it remains free from the grip of any single entity, including the very creators of Bluesky.
The movement seeks to establish a public-interest foundation focused on nurturing new, interoperable social networks. These networks would thrive on the AT Protocol and develop resilient, independent infrastructure, staying liberally accessible even if Bluesky were absorbed by wealthier powers. This initiative comes at a crucial time. Meta, known for its brands like Facebook and Instagram, has recently relaxed its content moderation and halted fact-checking—decisions influenced largely by Mark Zuckerberg’s control via super-voting shares. Meanwhile, Bluesky itself has experienced a user surge from those disillusioned by Elon Musk’s promotional use of the platform.
Free Our Feeds enjoys widespread endorsement, attracting notable figures like actor Mark Ruffalo, filmmaker Alex Winter, author Cory Doctorow, and Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales. Mozilla Foundation’s president, Mark Surman, is also among its supporters. Robin Berjon, an independent technologist and one of the custodians of the project, underscores the significance of their endeavor, likening the control of digital infrastructure by a few to monopolizing public roads. He emphasizes the need to protect the digital realm as a public good, ensuring equitable access and governance in the public’s interest.
While aligned with Bluesky’s values, Free Our Feeds fears that venture capital pressures could compromise the platform’s independence. Thus, they assert the importance of building alternate solutions rooted in independent infrastructure. The initiative is actively collaborating with Bluesky, which supports their mission of safeguarding the AT Protocol from becoming a billionaire’s tool.
To actualize their vision, Free Our Feeds aims to collect $30 million over three years, with an initial target of $4 million. This funding would facilitate the assembling of a dedicated team to develop independent infrastructure, ensuring the AT Protocol’s openness and sustainability.
Berjon envisions a future where the AT Protocol isn’t just limited to Bluesky. Its capabilities could extend to crafting comprehensive social applications, ranging from Instagram and Facebook analogs to innovative platforms not yet imagined. The key advantage? Users could seamlessly engage with new services through existing accounts due to the protocol’s interoperability.
By the year’s end, Free Our Feeds plans to establish an independent foundation as a part of this mission. Their commitment is clear: should fundraising fall short, contributors will have their investments returned. This transparent approach reflects the campaign’s dedication to genuine progress and community empowerment within the digital landscape.
