Meta has taken a bold step in blocking links to Pixelfed, a decentralized image-sharing platform. Users attempting to post links to Pixelfed.social on Facebook now encounter immediate deletion. Meta has labeled these links as “spam,” targeting the platform directly.
Pixelfed, which launched in 2018, runs on ActivityPub, the same decentralized technology behind Mastodon and other federated services. This open-source platform offers a stark contrast to the centralized control seen on Instagram. It has grown in popularity recently, drawing attention following Meta’s controversial policy changes.
Pixelfed attracted a surge of new signups
The platform’s growth has been driven by increasing user dissatisfaction with Meta’s recent shifts. Just days ago, Meta loosened its rules, allowing more extreme content, including derogatory remarks about LGBTQ+ individuals. This move has pushed many users to seek alternative platforms. Pixelfed has also attracted a surge of new signups, with the platform reporting “unprecedented levels of traffic” to Pixelfed.social.
The surge in traffic follows Meta’s controversial decision to lean heavily into AI-generated content across Instagram and Facebook. Meanwhile, Pixelfed stands firm in its commitment to community-based, user-driven content.
Meta is introducing "community notes" to its apps. This feature, which is available on X, allows users to fact-check and verify each other.
Daniel Supernault, Pixelfed’s creator, has expressed his frustration with venture capital (VC) interests. In a recent Mastodon post, Supernault emphasized that Pixelfed is built for the people, not for profit. He rejected VC funding and committed to keeping the platform free from advertisements.
Over the weekend, Supernault published a declaration outlining core principles for ethical digital platforms. This declaration focuses on privacy, surveillance resistance, and safeguards against hate speech. It also calls for strong protections for vulnerable communities, data portability, and user agency.
In an increasingly polarized digital landscape, Pixelfed has positioned itself as an alternative to the mainstream tech giants. As Meta continues to censor and shift its policies, alternative platforms are gaining traction among users disillusioned by corporate control over online spaces.
Meta did not respond to requests for comment regarding the censorship of links. As the situation evolves, it remains unclear whether this tactic will hinder Pixelfed’s growth or spark further interest in decentralized alternatives.
