Freedom, openness, interoperability, and the ability to connect without a single gatekeeper defined the internet's core promise 25 years ago. Today, most of our online life happens on centralized platforms that control our data, shape our experiences, and set the rules for communication. This monopolization brings real risks: digital surveillance, censorship, and a loss of user agency.
The Fediverse offers a different model. Instead of a single platform, it’s a network of independent, interoperable services that connect using open protocols like ActivityPub. Like email, people can choose different providers yet still communicate across the network. Users can build online spaces that reflect their communities’ needs and values. Organizations can host their own services or partner with trusted providers, gaining control over their data, reducing reliance on corporate platforms, and fostering more localized approaches to online community.
Join Babette Ngene of EFF, in conversation with renowned PIT technologist Bruce Schneier, and Social Web Foundation Executive Director Mallory Knodel about what the Fediverse can and cannot offer users. Rather than asking if decentralized platforms can replace today's dominant social networks, we'll focus on a deeper question: What would it take to build an internet where people and communities have real choices about participation, data control, and governance of their digital spaces?
How to Build a Decentralized Web That Truly Works for All
Thursday, September 17th
11:00 am - 12:00 pm Pacific - Check Local Time
Livestream followed by Q&A
This event is LIVE and FREE!
Accessibility
This event will be live-captioned and recorded. EFF is committed to improving accessibility for our events. If you have any accessibility questions regarding the event, please contact events@eff.org.
Event Expectations
EFF is dedicated to a harassment-free experience for everyone, and all participants are encouraged to view our full Event Expectations.
Upcoming Events
Want to make sure you don’t miss our next livestream? Here’s a link to sign up for updates about this series: eff.org/ECUpdates. If you have a friend or colleague that might be interested, please join the fight for your digital rights by this link: eff.org/EFFectingChange. Thank you for helping EFF spread the word about privacy and free expression online.
Recording
We hope you and your friends can join us live! If you can't make it, we’ll post the recording afterward on YouTube and the Internet Archive!
About the Speakers
Coming soon....
