Mastodon will soon become a nonprofit organization.

In a context where figures like Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg have shown that a single individual can alter the dynamics of an entire social network, Eugen Rochko, CEO and creator of Mastodon, is taking a different path. In a recent post, the Mastodon team announced their decision to hand over control of the platform to a new nonprofit organization. This means that Rochko is voluntarily relinquishing control of the service he founded almost ten years ago.

A year ago, the company had begun to establish a nonprofit organization based in the United States, which will continue to operate as a "fundraising hub." However, the company's overall operations will remain based abroad. According to the company, "we are taking the necessary time to select the appropriate jurisdiction and structure in Europe." Additionally, other necessary subsidiary legal structures will be determined to support operations and ensure sustainability. The restructuring is expected to be completed within six months.

Rochko has expressed his disagreement with Musk's actions, even telling him to "get off the internet" two years ago, and has described the recent changes in moderation at Meta as "deeply concerning." Although Mastodon has not reached the same user levels as platforms like Threads or Bluesky in the new post-X social media landscape, it may still find an ethical path forward.