Mastodon’s CEO and creator is handing control to a new nonprofit organization

Mastodon, a decentralized social network, has announced plans to transfer its ownership to a new nonprofit entity, moving away from the control of its CEO Eugen Rochko. This decision aligns with Rochko's original intent for Mastodon, which was to create a social media platform that is not owned or controlled by a single individual. The new nonprofit organization will be based in Europe, with the exact location still to be finalized, and Rochko will take on a new role focusing on product strategy. The move is a way of restoring Rochko's original vision for Mastodon, which was to create a platform that is free from the control of a single wealthy individual. When Rochko founded Mastodon in 2016, his focus was on creating the code and conditions for the kind of social media he envisioned, and he declared that Mastodon would not be for sale. In the short term, nothing should change for users, as Mastodon will continue to host its servers and support its federated network. Routine code development and bug fixes are ongoing, with changes expected in the pipeline. Mastodon's core mission remains the same, which is to create tools and digital spaces where people can build authentic online communities free from ads and corporate monopolies. The announcement comes at a time when other open-source projects and social media platforms are facing challenges and controversies, such as the WordPress open-source project and Meta's fact-checking and content moderation policies. Overall, the transfer of ownership to a nonprofit entity is a significant step for Mastodon, as it ensures that the platform will remain true to its original vision and values.