Dear users of our instance,
We have received questions regarding the possibility of Meta (Facebook/Instagram) joining the Fediverse. This has sparked a significant amount of discussion, and we would like to inform you of our stance as moderators of this instance at this time.
Given the impact of this matter on our users, we believe it is essential to ensure that the decision-making process is as transparent, inclusive, and informed as possible. However, the current state of information about Meta's potential integration with Mastodon is somewhat fragmented and not entirely clear. Therefore, we have decided to postpone any definitive decisions until we have a more comprehensive understanding of the situation and its implications.
Our key areas of concern, among others, are user privacy, GDPR compliance, potential monetization strategies, moderation policies, the user interface aspects, and the choice of algorithms by Meta.
Crucially, we would like to ask ourselves, under what conditions would we find it tolerable to federate our instance with a Facebook instance? Further, how likely is it that Meta would even meet these conditions?
We recognize that Meta's integration could attract a significant number of new people to the fediverse. We do not plan to block this potential without knwoing the full story and thoroughly exploring alternative solutions.
As your administrators, it is our topmost priority to ensure the safety and positive experience of our users. While we are deliberating these matters internally, we would greatly appreciate hearing your thoughts, suggestions, and concerns on the matter.
Once we believe we have gathered sufficient information and user feedback, we will move towards reaching a decision and sharing it with you all. Please note that while we are actively working on this matter, due to its complex nature it may take some time to reach a conclusion.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
TLDR:
We're postponing any decisions about the Meta Block.
Your input is valued as we navigate this complex issue, prioritizing user safety and experience while seeking more comprehensive information before making any decisions.
@mcp others have already expressed these concerns, but here goes my 2 cents... Facebook doesn't get the benefit of the doubt. They've already squandered any goodwill they've been given.
Facebook's whole business model is:
- selling our personal info and "engagement" to marketers,
- who will use that asymmetrical power to manipulate us,
- with the end goal of making us consume more.
To do that, they'll:
- invade our spaces to gather more data on us.
- change their policies when it suits them.
- use their legal & financial leverage to get their way.
- spin it all as a beneficent embrace of open standards, community, and competition in the market.
The likely result will be:
- a shift in all our timelines towards Facebook curated content.
- an explosion in growth, which will errode these safe spaces–particularly LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC–that we've worked to establish.
- a foot in the door for corporations to turn the Fediverse into the same cesspool of misinformation and monetization that they've turned the rest of the internet into.
TL;DR: If we let Facebook play in our pool, they'll eventually shit in it and monetize our outrage.
