Fediverse: decentralised and interoperable networks in times of disinformation

This chapter explores the Fediverse as a decentralized and interoperable network ecosystem that offers an alternative to centralized social media platforms, particularly in addressing the challenges of disinformation. The chapter examines the technical foundations of the Fediverse, its community-driven moderation models, and its potential to foster healthier information ecosystems. It traces the evolution of decentralized online social networks (DOSNs), highlighting key milestones such as the development of federation protocols like ActivityPub, which enabled cross-platform interoperability. The chapter also analyzes the "Musk Effect," detailing how Elon Musk's acquisition of Twitter accelerated user migrations to Mastodon, the Fediverse’s largest platform, and sparked renewed interest among journalists and researchers. By emphasizing user autonomy, transparency, and community moderation, the Fediverse presents unique mechanisms to mitigate disinformation, reduce algorithmic amplification of harmful content, and empower local governance. However, challenges remain, including scalability, fragmentation, and content moderation complexities. The chapter concludes by advocating for further research on decentralized networks and highlighting opportunities for journalists and media organizations to leverage the Fediverse as a tool for promoting ethical, independent journalism in the digital age. The book is part of the IBERIFIER project, funded by the European Commission through the agreement CEF-TC-2020-2, with reference 2020-EU-IA-0252.