Mozilla has announced it was expanding Mozilla.social to a private beta.
The company behind the popular Firefox Web browser Mozilla had last year announced its entry into the world of social media. While acknowledging the importance of browsers, Mozilla has recognized that the Internet is much more than just a browser, including every piece of Content, app, and experience on users’ devices.
Mozilla has set strict content policies for its new Mastodon instance, Mozilla.Social, which prohibits harassment, derogatory language and misinformation. The policies make it clear that the platform will protect vulnerable users and err on the side of caution. Company Chief Product Officer Steve Teixeira said the policies had been created to ensure people could have the experience they wanted Online. It was important to offer a platform where people could “engage and share cat pictures or yuk it up with my friends”, he added.
Mozilla’s Mastodon instance is part of the company’s wider exploration of a decentralized social media future. In December, it announced that it was interested in the Fediverse as a means of building a better online experience. While Mastodon may not be the ultimate solution, it is a good place to start, according to the company. Content moderation was identified as an area where Mozilla could have an immediate impact, thanks to its resources and tools.
Mozilla’s entry into the world of social media comes at a time when traditional power dynamics are being challenged and diverse voices are being given a public platform. While social media has its flaws, it also provides critical services such as alerting people to catastrophic weather events or delays to public transport. Mozilla believes that the Fediverse is a way to move power away from big tech companies and give people more control over their social media experience. With Mastodon, Mozilla hopes to contribute to making social media a better and more inclusive space.
Image credit: Mozilla
