We are excited to celebrate the launch of the Social Web Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to advancing the open, interconnected web through the ActivityPub protocol. At IFTAS, we believe in fostering transparency, innovation, and safety within social platforms, and the formation of SWF is a major step toward that goal.
The Social Web Foundation brings together leaders from the Fediverse, with its mission grounded in educating users, improving social web infrastructure, and enhancing user experience across independent platforms. Under the guidance of leaders like Evan Prodromou (Research Director), Mallory Knodel (Executive Director) and Tom Coates (Product Director), the foundation aims to catalyse innovation while ensuring user autonomy and safety. Already working on end-to-end encryption, GDPR guidance, a Fediverse starter pack and more, the Foundation has plenty of amazing activities lined up.
ActivityPub has enabled thousands of platforms to communicate seamlessly across the Fediverse. This framework encourages a healthier online experience by supporting diversity of thought and content while redistributing governance back to the communities that can best serve their members. In an era where centralised networks dominate, the SWF’s commitment to open standards represents a renewed opportunity for a democratic and inclusive web.
At IFTAS, we share this vision of a safer and more equitable online world. That’s why we are happy to announce that Jaz-Michael King, our Executive Director, is joining the Social Web Foundation as an Advisor. His work at IFTAS has always centred on building safer digital spaces, and this partnership aligns perfectly with our mutual commitment to civil discourse and privacy protection.
The Social Web Foundation’s work is crucial for the future of independent social platforms, and we at IFTAS look forward to collaborating in this endeavour to build a robust, inclusive, and harm-free digital landscape. As Jaz has emphasised, “The opportunities to enhance trust and safety across the Fediverse are immense, and we are eager to work closely with SWF to make this vision a reality.”
Together, we are working to redefine the social web, ensuring that it is not only open but also safe for everyone.
For more information on the Social Web Foundation and its upcoming initiatives, visit socialwebfoundation.org or follow on Fedi using @swf@socialwebfoundation.org.