Tech leaders launch a $30M campaign to create independent social media infrastructure

The goal is to build an independent infrastructure using the AT Protocol, which is open-source tech that powers the Bluesky social network. This means anyone can create their own social media apps, similar to how anyone can build a website.
This project is super timely, especially with all the scrutiny traditional platforms are facing over their ownership. Nabiha Syed, the Executive Director of Mozilla Foundation, said this is a chance to secure social media’s future as a tool for connection and creativity. But it needs community support to stay free from billionaire influence.
They aim to raise $4 million initially as part of the larger $30 million effort. The funds will help set up a public interest foundation for the AT Protocol and create independent infrastructure, including a backup system for content. This way, users can still access posts even if Bluesky limits access.
As of now, they’ve raised nearly $18,000 from 273 donors on GoFundMe. Syed emphasized that they want to run the AT Protocol independently from Bluesky to ensure there’s always an alternative.
Roger McNamee, an early Facebook investor, is backing this initiative. He pointed out that users are frustrated with current platforms and that this project could genuinely improve things.
Bluesky has been growing rapidly, recently valued at around $700 million, with nearly 26 million users. However, the backers of Free Our Feeds worry that even Bluesky could face the same pressures as other platforms.
The campaign’s custodians include leaders from Mozilla and other nonprofits. They plan to have the foundation operational by the end of 2025. While they know it won’t be easy, they believe recent events show there’s a real chance for change in how social media works.
Syed summed it up well: centralized ownership leads to a confusing digital space where one billionaire’s decision can impact many lives. She believes we can do better and that the internet doesn’t have to be this way if we work together.