In July 2023, the FBI raided the servers of Kolektiva, a Mastodon instance that is part of the Fediverse, a decentralized social media network. The FBI seized all of the server’s data, including user accounts, posts, and messages.
The EFF, a digital rights organization, has called the raid a “wake-up call” for Fediverse users and hosts. The EFF argues that the raid shows that law enforcement is still willing to use aggressive tactics to seize data from online platforms.
The EFF is urging Fediverse users and hosts to take steps to protect their privacy and security. These steps include:
- Using strong passwords
- Enabling two-factor authentication
- Encrypting their data
- Using a host that is committed to user privacy
The EFF also argues that the Fediverse needs to develop a more robust system for protecting user data from law enforcement. This could include using end-to-end encryption or creating a legal defense fund to support users who are targeted by law enforcement.
The FBI’s raid on Kolektiva is a reminder that even decentralized social media platforms are not immune to law enforcement overreach. Fediverse users and hosts need to take steps to protect their privacy and security, and the Fediverse itself needs to develop a more robust system for protecting user data.