In a digital world dominated by algorithms and ad revenue, Mastodon offers something refreshingly different: a non-profit, open-source social network powered by people, not profit. In the latest episode of Wire Uncut, host Alexandra Ruggiero Remzso sits down with Andy Piper, Head of Communications at Mastodon, to discuss digital sovereignty, the power of open protocols, and why decentralisation might just be the future of social.
From Big Tech to Big Change
Andy Piper’s journey to Mastodon wasn’t exactly linear. A seasoned technologist with stints at IBM, VMware, and even Twitter, Piper has long been fascinated by the intersection of society, people, and open-source tech. But the turning point came when Twitter changed ownership – a moment that left him disillusioned with how mainstream platforms treat users.
“I didn’t expect to join something that looks a little like Twitter,” Piper admits. “But I care about people. I care about open source. And Mastodon is about building something for people – not for corporations.”
What Makes Mastodon Different?
- No Ads. No Algorithms. Mastodon is not backed by venture capital. It’s funded by donors and users. There are no attention-grabbing tactics, no endless scrolls, and no data-hungry algorithms.
- Decentralised by Design. Unlike traditional platforms, Mastodon is made up of thousands of independently operated servers – or “instances” – that form a global, interconnected network. Each instance can set its own rules, while still communicating across the broader network.
- Part of the Fediverse. Mastodon isn’t alone. It’s part of the Fediverse – a collection of interoperable platforms that support everything from photo sharing (PixelFed) to video streaming (PeerTube) to live broadcasting (Owncast). Users can interact across platforms seamlessly, all without handing over their data to a central authority.
Why Digital Sovereignty Matters
For Piper, Mastodon isn’t just a social platform. It’s a statement about the future of the internet – and who controls it.
“The internet was built to be decentralised,” he explains. “But today, most of it is hosted in a handful of countries and run by a few powerful companies. That’s not how it should be.”
Mastodon, he argues, is part of a broader movement across Europe and beyond – one that reclaims control over data, infrastructure, and digital rights. He points to initiatives like Make Social Again in the Netherlands and Save Social in Germany, both of which advocate for ethical, local alternatives to big tech.
Why Users Hesitate to Switch – and Why They Should
Despite its growing popularity, Mastodon still faces a familiar hurdle: inertia.
“Humans are creatures of habit,” says Piper. “Even if we’re unhappy with how things work, change feels uncomfortable.”
But he also sees a shift in mindset – especially among younger users and those increasingly aware of how traditional platforms exploit attention and data. His advice? Start small. “You don’t need to delete your old accounts. Just try something new. Add Mastodon on top of what you already use. See how it feels.”
The Power of Non-Profit
One of Mastodon’s most defining features is its non-profit status – a rarity in the world of social media. The team announced earlier this year that it’s formalising its foundation to ensure long-term stability, user trust, and independence from commercial influence.
“We’re not here to mine your data,” Piper emphasises. “We’re here to build something useful – and respectful.”
The Mastodon team is small – around 10 people across Europe – but their impact is outsized. Millions of users now rely on the platform. And as Piper says, “We punch above our weight.”
If Mastodon Were a City...
To wrap the interview, Remzso posed her signature question: If Mastodon were a European city, which one would it be?
Piper’s answer? Amsterdam.
“It’s a city of neighborhoods, connected by canals. It’s diverse, walkable, human-scale – just like Mastodon’s community-based architecture.”
A Quiet Revolution, One Server at a Time
In a world increasingly shaped by the whims of Silicon Valley, Mastodon offers a compelling vision of what social media could be: local, respectful, decentralised – and joyful.
As Piper puts it, “Unless we try new things, we don’t grow. And Mastodon is one of those things worth trying.”
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