Meta is Deleting Links to Pixelfed, a Decentralized Instagram Competitor
Meta, the company behind Facebook and Instagram, has been deleting links to Pixelfed, a decentralized image-sharing platform, on its platforms. On Facebook, links to Pixelfed.social, the largest Pixelfed server, are being labeled as “spam” and deleted immediately. This move has sparked concerns over censorship and the suppression of decentralized platforms that operate outside of Meta’s control.
Pixelfed is an open-source, community-funded platform that runs on Activity Pub, the same technology that supports Mastodon and other federated services. The platform has seen a surge in user signups in recent days, with over 10,000 new users joining the platform, according to its creator, Daniel Supernault. Supranual also announced that Pixelfed will be launching an iOS app later this week.
The move by Meta to delete links to Pixelfed comes as the company faces increased scrutiny over its handling of user data and its inclusion of AI-generated content on its platforms. In response to criticism, Meta has announced a new set of rules that allow users to label LGBTQ+ individuals as “mentally ill,” leading to renewed concerns over the company’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity.
Supernault, the creator of Pixelfed, has also published a “declaration of fundamental rights and principles for ethical digital platforms,” which aims to ensure privacy, dignity, and fairness in online spaces. The charter, which is open-source and can be adopted by other platforms, includes sections on the right to privacy, freedom from surveillance, safeguards against hate speech, and strong protections for vulnerable communities.
Pixelfed has been open to its users, stating that it will not accept venture capitalist funding or inject advertising into the platform, and will remain a community-driven and decentralized space for sharing images and ideas. As the competition heats up, Pixelfed’s commitment to its users and principles is likely to make it an attractive alternative to Meta’s increasingly corporate social media landscape.