An international group of entrepreneurs and tech advocates has launched a campaign to ensure that social networks remain free from the control of billionaires like Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg, who currently shape the digital landscape. The initiative, called Free Our Feeds, aims to protect the AT Protocol technology that underpins the Bluesky platform and promote an ecosystem of open, interoperable social networks that are not dominated by individuals or corporations.
The proposal includes the creation of a public-interest foundation to fund the development of new social networks compatible with the AT Protocol. This independent infrastructure will ensure these platforms remain operational, even if Bluesky falls under the control of billionaires. The initial fundraising goal is $4 million, with a long-term target of $30 million over three years, to build a team and ensure the protocol remains open and accessible.
The campaign emerges in a context marked by Meta’s decision to relax content moderation policies, a move enabled by Mark Zuckerberg’s control over the company. Simultaneously, Bluesky has seen an influx of users migrating from X (formerly Twitter) due to Elon Musk’s political decisions on the platform.
Free Our Feeds has garnered support from prominent figures such as actor Mark Ruffalo, Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales, and Mozilla Foundation President Mark Surman, among others. Robin Berjon, one of the project leaders, explained that the initiative seeks to prevent power concentration in the digital sphere, comparing it to a road system that should not belong to a select few. “Digital infrastructure is a public good that must be managed in the collective interest,” he stated.
Although the initiative shares Bluesky’s values, Free Our Feeds’ founders believe the company is vulnerable to venture capital pressures. For this reason, they are working to ensure the AT Protocol remains accessible, fostering the creation of innovative social applications built on this technology. According to Berjon, this protocol could power platforms similar to Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok, maintaining interoperability and avoiding unnecessary duplication of resources.
The campaign aims to establish the independent foundation by the end of the year. If sufficient funds are not raised, the organizers plan to return the money to donors, ensuring transparency and a focus on public benefit.
By: Nestor Castillo, ForAllTechNews Director