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Newsmast Foundation
@newsmastfoundation.org
1.6K followers 250 following 550 posts
We're the leading nonprofit open social web project in the UK. We're reconnecting people & organisations with their online community.

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newsmastfoundation.org
Newsmast Foundation @newsmastfoundation.org · Oct 18
As Bluesky takes off, we’re excited to share our FediSky Starter Pack with you! 🎉

Quickly follow a bunch of cool people working on new social - that’s Bluesky and a whole lot more!

go.bsky.app/F83WT3

#StarterPack #Fediverse #SocialMedia #NewSky
newsmastfoundation.org
Would you host your community in a casino?

Addictive algorithms, amplified hateful content, doomscrolling. It's time to call social media what it is: dangerous.

As a society, we need to work harder to detangle ourselves from these places and the behaviour they encourage.

#SocialMedia
A blurred image of casino counters. Over the image is the copy: "Harmful. Addictive. Dangerous."
January 22, 2026 at 2:03 PM
Reposted by Newsmast Foundation
alexandrageese.bsky.social
Europeans deserve safer digital spaces and real alternatives to US-based platforms.

We urge the Commission to:
- Invest in European tech initiatives.
- Support the development of user-focused, European-owned networks.
- Guarantee robust data portability rights for all users.
EU-Kommission: EU-Abgeordnete fordern nach Grok-Skandal eigenes europäisches Netzwerk
Mehr als 50 EU-Abgeordnete haben sich in einem offenen Brief an die EU-Kommission gewandt. Sie solle in europäische Alternativen zu US-Netzwerken wie X investieren.
www.zeit.de
January 19, 2026 at 9:06 PM
Reposted by Newsmast Foundation
anew.social
For our first launch of the year, we're kicking off with more blocking features!

Rolling out today: ATProto across Bluesky, Blacksky, and any other PDS can apply domain blocklists to Bridgy Fed. Blocks come with if you Bounce, and we even added a handy list of reputable blocklists to choose from.
Launch: Domain Blocklists
In November last year, we began developing additional user-facing moderation features for Bridgy Fed users. While blocking users across the bridge was always possible via DMs, we knew it would be easi...
blog.anew.social
January 19, 2026 at 5:22 PM
Reposted by Newsmast Foundation
protocolsforpublishers.com
Final details for #PfP✨London are locked in. We have our 🏛️ venue, last 🗣️ speaker confirmed, and the 🎟️ registration is now completely open!

protocolsforpublishers.com/final-detail...

#ActivityPub #ATProto #AI #webpayments #webpublishing #events #London
We're All Set: Final Details for PfP✨London
The last pieces have been locked in for our next in-person event in London. Firstly, we would like to announce or last speaker: Jeremiah Lee from the Interledger Foundation who will be discussing dev...
protocolsforpublishers.com
January 16, 2026 at 3:33 PM
newsmastfoundation.org
Building a community is about more than just tech. It takes effort.

So, how do we build meaningful community?

Our friends at CSID Network published a brilliant piece on their approach that we think everyone should be learning from.

csidnet.org/how-to-build...

#CommunityBuilding
How to Build an Organic Community… Inorganically – CSID Network
Translate:
csidnet.org
January 15, 2026 at 2:02 PM
Reposted by Newsmast Foundation
modalfoundation.bsky.social
Hi Bluesky! We're Modal Foundation, a new nonprofit dedicated to making open social tech viable at scale. We grew out of the @freeourfeeds.com campaign and support @eurosky.social. Our work will connect experts, strategists, builders and communities to create a human-centered internet.
A card that reads "Social media is critical infrastructure. It needs to work for people, not exploit and mislead them. Modal Foundation supports decentralized social tech that helps people create, circulate and discover trustworthy information."
January 12, 2026 at 4:44 PM
newsmastfoundation.org
We're building social media for digital communities 🔥

For too long, communities have been controlled by the platforms they're on. Finally, there are meaningful solutions.

One of these is the ability to build your own. Your platform. Your server. Your stack. Your solution.

#DigitalCommunity
A graphic which incorporates three screens from the Bristol Cable app. They show a selection of news articles, a local community feed, and a Channels page which connects to the wider Social Web. The copy on the graphic reads: "Yours. Build your own social platform."
January 13, 2026 at 2:03 PM
newsmastfoundation.org
You might've heard the news... we're building a dedicated community app with Tŵt!

You can learn more on their latest blog post, here: croeso.toot.wales/en/less-clut...

#SocialMedia #Community
Less Clutter, More Cwtch – tŵt cymru | toot wales
Tŵt’s going mobile!
croeso.toot.wales
January 12, 2026 at 2:00 PM
Reposted by Newsmast Foundation
laurenshof.online
X Is a Power Problem, Not a Platform Problem

my analysis of current events

connectedplaces.online/reports/a-po...
The implicit theory behind the open social web was that platform quality would determine outcomes. Build something that’s better, and in combination with the incumbent getting worse, this would lead to such difference in quality, user experience and safety that at some point people would switch from X to alternatives like Mastodon or Bluesky. This theory held up for a while in 2023 and 2024. In 2025 it started to falter, as Musk aligned himself with Trump, the signup waves to the alternative platforms effectively stopped. In early 2026, this theory is now really over, because X has fundamentally changed. Mastodon and Bluesky are not in competition anymore with the platform X, because X has changed. It changed from being a platform to the power structure for the neo-royalty, with the public square shambling along as a zombie, animated by everyone who still treats X like it’s 2015. You cannot out-compete ‘where the ruling faction radicalizes and coordinates’ by having better moderation policies or algorithmic choice. X is not a platform problem anymore, it is a power problem, and building a different platform does not solve the power problem.
January 9, 2026 at 3:17 PM
newsmastfoundation.org
Towards the end of 2025, we saw realisation across Europe and beyond of the danger of reliance on US technologies.

In 2026, we'll keep the pressure on, highlighting and building true, non-American, alternatives to community technology.

#SocialMedia #EUTech #DigitalSovereignty
An image of a smartphone displaying multiple social media apps: Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, WhatsApp, X. In the background, is a US flag. Both images are balck and white. Over them, text reads: "Escape American platforms".
January 8, 2026 at 2:03 PM
newsmastfoundation.org
At the Newsmast Foundation, we're building to make a difference.

You can see a case study on the @thebristolcable.bsky.social app here: goodcommons.world/casestudies/...

#SocialMedia #SocialWeb
The Bristol Cable/Newsmast Foundation: deepening community for a UK news coop — Good Commons
We use cookies to understand how this site is used, so we can improve it for everyone. You can choose what you\u2019re comfortable with.
goodcommons.world
January 6, 2026 at 2:02 PM
newsmastfoundation.org
As we begin 2026, @michaelfoster.bsky.social looks back on 2025 and the sprouts of hope that took root in the cracks. Armed with compost and a watering can, he's ready to start growing the future.

www.blog-pat.ch/futility-or-...

#SocialMedia
Futility or hope: pink flowers, crowbars & compost
On New Year’s Eve Tim Chambers shared a link to John Green’s review of Auld Lang Syne, resurfacing Amy Krouse Rosenthal’s question: how do we perceive a bright pink flower growing in an alley?…
www.blog-pat.ch
January 2, 2026 at 3:00 PM
newsmastfoundation.org
Happy New Year!! 🍾 🎆

We've just entered 2026 here in the UK. We can't wait to see what this next year bring for the Newsmast Foundation and the Social Web.

#NewYear #2026
A graphic reading "Happy New Year 2026. Newsmast Foundation". Over a black and white image of fireworks surrounding Big Ben.
January 1, 2026 at 12:02 AM
Reposted by Newsmast Foundation
saskiakezia.com
I'm no LinkedIn prophet, but I have hope for the year ahead.

forbetter.ghost.io/looking-to-26/

#SocialMedia #Blog #YearAhead
Looking to 26
2026 is nearly here. Here are my hopes for the year ahead. 2025 - What. A. Year. When a certain Trump took control of the U.S. in the start of the year (on my birthday, I might add), things felt pre...
forbetter.ghost.io
December 29, 2025 at 1:18 PM
newsmastfoundation.org
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all celebrating!

Whether you've been naughty or nice, we hope you're getting a nice rest over this festive period 🎄 🎁

#MerryChristmas #HappyHolidays
A close up image of a fir tree decorated in lights. Over it, text reads, Happy Holidays to all celebrating. Newsmast Foundation
December 24, 2025 at 2:02 PM
newsmastfoundation.org
As we head into the next two weeks, we're going to be spending less time online and more time with our families and friends. We hope you understand.

We'll still be checking in, but don't expect to hear back from as us as swiftly as usual🎄
December 19, 2025 at 5:05 PM
Reposted by Newsmast Foundation
protocolsforpublishers.com
Very happy to add @aendra.com to the speaker list for #PfP✨London 🎉🎉🎉

Pre-registration is open now:

protocolsforpublishers.com/london-2026/
Protocols for Publishers ✨ London
Join us in London on Feb 4-5, 2026
protocolsforpublishers.com
December 17, 2025 at 5:32 PM
Reposted by Newsmast Foundation
playawfulthings.bsky.social
Sad to be leaving after 3 formative, brilliant years but so proud of what we've achieved as a team ❤️

The work Newsmast does matters and I wish them all the best. They'll always have a supporter in me, and I will remain engaged in and an advocate for the social web 🕸✊️
newsmastfoundation.org Newsmast Foundation @newsmastfoundation.org · Dec 18
As Freddie, @playawfulthings.bsky.social, comes to the end of his time with the Newsmast Foundation team, we'd like to take a moment to celebrate all he's achieved.

Freddie has been with us since the start, from the original idea and through the many evolutions that have grown Newsmast.
An image of Freddie smiling into the camera with text reading: "Thank you Freddie!"
December 18, 2025 at 1:40 PM
newsmastfoundation.org
As Freddie, @playawfulthings.bsky.social, comes to the end of his time with the Newsmast Foundation team, we'd like to take a moment to celebrate all he's achieved.

Freddie has been with us since the start, from the original idea and through the many evolutions that have grown Newsmast.
An image of Freddie smiling into the camera with text reading: "Thank you Freddie!"
December 18, 2025 at 12:02 PM
newsmastfoundation.org
We're very excited to be sponsoring @protocolsforpublishers.com in London!

Alongside our sponsorship, @saskiakezia.com and @thebristolcable.bsky.social will come together to discuss our joint effort to build a news app for local community.

If you're around, we'd love to see you there 👀
December 15, 2025 at 4:09 PM
newsmastfoundation.org
Happy Hanukkah to all beginning their celebrations today!

#Hanukkah
A black and white image of a person lighting a candle on a shammash. Over it, text reads: "Hanukkah sameach! To all celebrating from Newsmast Foundation"
December 14, 2025 at 2:15 PM
newsmastfoundation.org
There's only two days left to show @bonfire@indieweb.social your support by donating to their crowdfunding campaign ‼️

You can learn more and support here: www.indiegogo.com/en/projects/...

#SocialWeb #SocialMedia
Bonfire: building blocks for communities on the open social web by Bonfire - Indiegogo
From platforms to communities: a federated social web with shared foundations and co‑created spaces for gathering, care, connection, and stewardship.
www.indiegogo.com
December 12, 2025 at 2:30 PM
newsmastfoundation.org
ICYMI - Our talk at #SFSCON

In November, Michael and Saskia gave a talk at SFSCon in Bolzano, Italy about the End of Liberalism and the Social Web's role in fighting back.

www.sfscon.it/talks/growin...

#SocialMedia #SocialWeb
Growing the open social web: case studies from Newsmast - SFSCON
SFSCON Talk
www.sfscon.it
December 11, 2025 at 2:30 PM
newsmastfoundation.org
Our technical partners are incredibly talented and have worked with charities in the past, including a project by one of our founders who recommended we work with them across the Newsmast tech stack.

They believe in the Newsmast Foundation's vision and we're proud to be working with them!
A black and white image of a male presenting individual with the text: "Aung Kyaw Phyo. Chief Technologist. Aung oversees the technical direction across system architecture, technology choices, and engineering workflows. He works with teams to develop reliable, secure, and scalable digital platforms, focusing on practical solutions that meet both current needs and long-term goals. He supports a team of engineers by guiding development processes, providing technical mentorship, and helping maintain consistent quality across projects. His responsibilities include designing new features, improving system performance, strengthening security practices, and ensuring steady, thoughtful progress in the products under his care." A black and white image of a female presenting individual with the text: "Yu Nandar Aung. Project Manager. Yu oversees day-to-day project coordination, making sure tasks are clearly defined, assigned appropriately, and moving forward as planned. She monitors progress, spots potential issues early, and works with the team to keep projects on track and aligned with expectations. She helps maintain the quality of deliverables and keeps communication clear among all parties involved. By updating stakeholders on progress, challenges, and changes, she supports a steady and transparent workflow throughout each project." A black and white image of a male presenting individual with the text: "Min Khant Kyaw. Backend Team Lead. Min oversees backend development, including system architecture, implementation, and technical decision-making. He focuses on building stable, secure, and maintainable systems that support the overall functionality of the products. He works closely with the backend engineering team by guiding development processes, reviewing code, and supporting team members in their work. His responsibilities include improving system performance, maintaining reliability, designing APIs, and ensuring backend components work smoothly with the rest of the platform." A black and white image of a male presenting individual with the text: "Ye Myat Thu. Mobile Team Lead. Ye oversees mobile application development, from planning features to making key technical decisions. He focuses on building dependable and easy-to-use mobile experiences while keeping development practices practical and maintainable. He works closely with the mobile engineering team by guiding their workflows, reviewing code, and helping ensure consistency across releases. His responsibilities include improving app performance, coordinating implementation, and making sure mobile applications integrate smoothly with the rest of the system."
December 9, 2025 at 2:04 PM
newsmastfoundation.org
Want to support a brilliant Social Web project before the end of the year? 🔥 Bonfire are so close to achieving their funding goal...

You can learn more about their project and what your donation would help fund below 👇

www.indiegogo.com/en/projects/...

#SocialMedia #SocialWeb
Bonfire: building blocks for communities on the open social web by Bonfire - Indiegogo
From platforms to communities: a federated social web with shared foundations and co‑created spaces for gathering, care, connection, and stewardship.
www.indiegogo.com
December 5, 2025 at 2:03 PM