Free Our Feeds: Campaign to Protect Bluesky from Billionaire Control

Protecting Social Media from Billionaire Control: The Free Our Feeds Initiative

In the evolving landscape of social media, spearheaded by figures like Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg, a collective of international technology professionals and advocates has initiated a campaign focused on safeguarding social platforms from undue influence by billionaires.

Introducing Free Our Feeds and the AT Protocol

The campaign, known as Free Our Feeds, centers on preserving the foundational technology of Bluesky – the AT Protocol – and utilizing it to foster an open social media environment. This ecosystem would be designed to resist control by any single entity, including Bluesky itself.

The core objective is to establish a public-interest foundation. This foundation will provide funding for the development of new, interoperable social networks built upon the AT Protocol.

Responding to Recent Shifts in Social Media Policies

This initiative emerges following Meta’s recent announcement regarding the discontinuation of fact-checking and a relaxation of content moderation policies. While publicly traded, Meta – the parent company of Facebook and Instagram – is largely directed by Mark Zuckerberg through his super-voting share ownership.

Furthermore, Bluesky experienced a notable influx of users migrating from X (formerly Twitter) after its owner, Elon Musk, utilized the platform to promote specific political agendas, such as Donald Trump’s presidential campaign and the AfD party in Germany.

Notable Supporters of the Campaign

Free Our Feeds has garnered support from a diverse group of prominent individuals. These include actor Mark Ruffalo, director Alex Winter, writer Cory Doctorow, Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales, and Mozilla Foundation president Mark Surman.

The Rationale Behind Independent Infrastructure

Robin Berjon, a technologist and one of the project’s nine “custodians,” explained to TechCrunch that Free Our Feeds arose from discussions concerning the need for change in how social media and digital infrastructure operate.

“Consider our road network; if a handful of billionaires controlled all roads and could dictate access and impose tolls, we’d face significant problems,” Berjon stated. “Digital infrastructure, though less visible, functions similarly, concentrating power in the same way.”

Addressing Potential Vulnerabilities of Bluesky

While acknowledging shared values with Bluesky, the team recognizes the potential for venture capital pressures and the risk of billionaire acquisition. They believe users deserve alternative options supported by independent infrastructure.

Bluesky has expressed support for the mission to ensure the AT Protocol remains accessible and free from undue control.

Funding Goals and Infrastructure Development

Free Our Feeds aims to raise $30 million over three years, with an initial goal of $4 million. These funds will be used to assemble a team and construct independent infrastructure.

“Operating infrastructure is crucial to maintaining the openness of the AT Protocol,” Berjon emphasized. “Although it’s open-sourced, the lack of a counterbalancing force – another entity ensuring its continued openness – presents a risk. We intend to operate independent infrastructure compatible with Bluesky, supporting the entire network.”

Expanding the Potential of the AT Protocol

Currently, the AT Protocol is primarily utilized for Bluesky’s development. However, Berjon highlights its potential for building a wider range of social applications.

“Using this infrastructure, one could create alternatives to Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok, or even entirely novel platforms,” he explained. “The interoperability of the AT Protocol allows users to leverage existing accounts with new applications, eliminating the need to reinvent fundamental systems.”

Timeline and Commitment to Transparency

Free Our Feeds plans to establish and launch the independent foundation by the end of the year. Berjon affirmed that any funds not utilized will be returned to donors.