Converted our Mastodon blocklist to match @nodebb's format. You can easily copy/paste this into the blocklist form under Admin -> Settings -> Federation

https://git.circlewithadot.net/CWAD/fediblock/src/branch/main/nodebb.txt

#nodebb #fediverse #moderation

RE: https://hachyderm.io/@thisismissem/116012963302634018

From one of the items on the agenda:

"How could peer moderation work in an ActivityPub context?"

#fediverse #moderation #TrustAndSafety

I might offend some folks with this poll… but I think it's kind of the elephant in the room, my friends.

Q: Is the biggest problem with #Mastodon in general actually the moderation of its biggest instance: mastodon.social?

This is not directed at anyone personally, rather, it's directed at a toxic culture that I see innocent people/victims posting about over and over again.

(mastodon.social is 300K MAU, next one is 12K)

#Fediverse #Moderation #OpenServers #Bullying #Welcome

Hi #fediverse! I'm working on Hackers' Pub, a small #ActivityPub-powered social platform for developers and tech folks.

We're currently drafting a content #moderation (#flag/#report) system and would really appreciate any feedback from those who have experience with federated moderation—we're still learning.

Some ideas we're exploring:

• Protecting reporter anonymity while giving reported users enough context to understand and improve
• Graduated responses (warning → content removal → suspension) rather than jumping to bans
• Using LLM to help match reports to code of conduct provisions
• Supporting ActivityPub Flag activity for cross-instance reports

Our guiding principle is that moderation should be about growth, not punishment. Expulsion is the last resort.

Here's the full draft if you're curious: https://github.com/hackers-pub/hackerspub/issues/192.

If you've dealt with moderation in federated contexts, what challenges did you run into? What worked well? We'd love to hear your thoughts.

Does anyone have #fediverse or #mastodon stats (preferably from a few different servers) about numbers of bad-faith actors being identified, banned, etc.? I've become pretty interested in this from a methodological point of view. I'm thinking of running some #moderation simulations to explore possibilities in a "calculate some stuff and make some graphs" way. Actually, if someone already did that, I'd be keen to read it.

I'm interested in how to detect "bad eggs," realizing as I think about it that I don't even know all the questions to ask, and this entire line of investigation has some thorny issues I'll need to deal with. I think infosec.exchange might, in some ways, be the perfect server to be on for this, because I am pretty sure that #cybersecurity has huge overlap with this whole domain.

#advice is helpful. #data is even more helpful.

#moderators #BadActors #infosec #socialmedia

Over on #Bluesky there was a bit of a controversy over the suspension of Sarah Kendzior. I thought it was an interestingly nontrivial moderation problem, so I wrote up a little case study on how this would have been handled on Mastodon: https://www.tbray.org/ongoing/When/202x/2025/11/13/Kendzior-Case-Study

#moderation

Looking at the previous issue of Fediverse Report, which discusses Bonfire in more detail, I notice that Bonfire gives a ton of control over who can interact with posts, crucially including reply controls

I've seen a number of women and Black people on Fedi mention reply controls as a sorely-needed safety/anti-harassment feature, so I hope there can be some good public Bonfire servers soon

https://connectedplaces.online/reports/fediverse-report-141-2/

#Fediverse #Bonfire #Harassment #Moderation

For all the push for functionality in social media, the focus on moderation is just... barely considered?

Why do we never learn the lessons of the last failed project?

One could also replace Moderation with Accessibility and it would also be accurate, although people seem to think things would continue to function regardless.

Borrowed from the excellent original "Dependency" by #XKCD:
https://xkcd.com/2347/

#moderation #SocialMedia #Accessibility

@wjmaggoswilliam.maggos @thisismissemEmelia 👸🏻

i got in a stupid shouting match with someone over a year ago. their server limited me

because i fucking fuckity fuck fuck swear too much. i'm bad meanie man, hurt fee fees

anyway after awhile we unblocked each other. we had nice interactions

now, we follow each other

that's human

what's inhuman?

i'm still limited on that server

fire and forget #moderation corrodes the #fediverse

suspends and limits should expire after awhile (apart from bigotry spam etc)

@thisismissemEmelia 👸🏻

#moderation is a shit job. always was, always will be. it's a human problem, no tech can dispel the chore. someone always has to be there, moderating

of course tooling can help immensely. the tooling shifts and manages the chore. that shift can be in good ways. also maybe unintentional bad ways

you know all this

i'm just laying it out so i can say:

on #bluesky, and on #mastodon, as you say, #blocklists create new terrible problems

i'm saying this tooling shift is a bad idea

The creator of the alternative social platform Spoutible will be releasing a free tool next month called "Narratives" that monitors claims and rumours circulating online and applies a credibility rating. AI assisted.

https://spoutible.com/thread/46371487

#Moderation

@thisismissemEmelia 👸🏻

sure

so #bluesky's effort to farm out #moderation doesn't solve any problems

iit makes them worse in fact for the reasons you delineate

moderation is moderation. it has to be done, there's no way around it

"well i hate it, the job sucks. why don't we just shift the responsibility, outsource it with no money involved and wash our hands of it. we can hype up the idea of 'freedom' and sell it as a gimmick that way"

et voila

the terrible motivation results in a terrible reality

A #blocklist is not going to be polite

It's a blocklist after all

So much for "#composableModeration" on #centralized #Bluesky

#moderation #AI

Mastodon's moderation could be greatly improved by a system to automatically flag posts containing certain words, phrases or links.

It would allow admins to instantly see problematic content (abuse, spam, etc) without having to wait for reports from users. It doesn't have to automatically take action, just flag it.

There's an existing issue in Mastodon's Github. If you are comfortable using Github, give it a thumbs up if you want this feature: https://github.com/mastodon/mastodon/issues/31182

#MastoAdmin #Moderation

„Fandom and the multimillion dollar business of monetizing volunteer work ” is my newest blog post about Fandom (big F), wikis, volunteer work and capitalism. If you have the time and any of those topics interest you, give it a read.

https://frisk.space/posts/fandom-and-the-multimillion-business-of-monetizing-volunteer-work/

#wiki #volunteering #Internet #moderation #Fandom #capitalism

Y’all. This is a known spammer who is picking up momentum. We’re seeing LOTS of accounts using the same name and avatar. But the bio varies from instance to instance. And a minority of them don’t have an avatar, but still use the name.

If you see these accounts, please report them. We’re trying to wipe them out, but we can’t until we know about them.

Thanks for the teamwork! 🤝

#Spam #JimmyTruth #Teamwork #Moderation

Finally, a good overview of how Bluesky's moderation works. Or *should* work.

"I was surprised to discover recently that our account suspension system has been operating entirely at the PDS level."

https://pfrazee.leaflet.pub/3lz4sgu7iec2k

#bluesky #ATProto #SocialMedia #moderation

🚨 Mastodon Support Scam 🚨

It looks like there's another wave of fake Mastodon support accounts asking you to verify your account.

Do NOT click on any links in these posts. Please report them to your server admin as soon as possible.

Please boost so that as many people can be aware of this as possible. Thank you! 💙 ☁️

#FediAdmin #MastoAdmin #MastodonSupport #Scam #Moderation #Report #Mastodon

Would you like to see YOUR instance block/de-federate Threads?

#threads #meta #moderation #factcheck #fedi #mastodon #fediverse #fedipact #zuckerberg

The 2025 Fediverse Needs Assessment is open! If you run or moderate an online community, your feedback will guide the tools, training, and resources we focus on next year. See https://about.iftas.org/moderator-needs-assessment/ for details

#Fedimods #Moderators #FediAdmin #Moderation
http://about.iftas.org/moderator-needs-assessment

Wait, is @rabble saying what I think he's saying? That's there a central moderation power in BlueSky that you can't opt-out of? Even if you use an ATProto stack totally independent of BS services? Or does he just mean you can't opt-out if you're using the BS AppView, Relay, or either?

https://wedistribute.org/podcast/s2e3-rabble-from-nos-social/

#podcasts #WeDistribute #Decentered #moderation #BlueSky

@76c71aae3a491f1d9eec47cba17e229cda4113a0bbb6e6ae1776d7643e29cafarabble

Mastodon Moderators: If you've had this verification scam/spam happening from accounts on your server, would you mind sharing with me privately the IP address and other details of the account?

I'm trying to compile information on this attack (we don't have any of this data from Hachyderm, because we've approval based registrations due to LLM spam)

I've been able to pull together information on the different domains and text of the spam messages being used, but not much in the way of account details.

(Yes, this data is PII, and I promise to handle it responsibly)

#moderation #trustandsafety

Hi, friends.

I wrote an article on being a Mastodon moderator. I talk about the process, our mental health, the challenges of mutual aid, and more.

It leaves me a little vulnerable, but I think it’s an important story to tell.

If you like it, boosts are welcomed. If you have questions, feel free to reach out.

Okay, here goes…

https://markwrites.io/being-a-mastodon-moderator/

#Moderation #Moderators #Mastodon #Fediverse #MentalHealth #IAmAnxiousWritingAboutThis

You can #AskMeAbout

#Moderation
#Administation
#Addiction
#AddictionRecovery
#SelfRegulation
#Meditation

❤️

Loops has a pretty impressive moderation system, allowing admins to enforce fine-grained limits, and users to appeal enforcement actions.

This is just the beginning, we have big plans to make this even more powerful in future releases 😎

#loops #moderation

Join the Fedizens! Isn't it time to leave legacy social media and start afresh? 👉 @fedizenFedizen ⁂ Fediverse News https://Fedizen.EU

#NoAds, #NoManipulation 🚫 Big Tech shapes opinions through targeted ads and polarizing content: #Opensource #socialmedia empowers #communities with transparent #moderation.

#Better #MentalHealth 🧠 Research shows that algorithm-driven feeds fuel anxiety and addiction: #ActivityPub platforms, like #Mastodon, avoid manipulative engagement tactics. (1/2)

@reiver@reiver ⊼ (Charles) @pluralisticCory Doctorow

If the instance makes no effort at moderation, they will get defederated, and the users may not notice.

The users need to pay attention, and when they start seeing the lack of moderation, then that should be their hint to move to another instance.

#Moderation

"#ActivityPub is a #protocol – like email, jpeg, MP3 and ‘http’ (behind every website) – that’s built for a world with millions of ‘pubs’ with 1000s or 100 or even just one or two people in them. But it’s not just a mini-social network builder – there’s the key extra ability to connect with anyone in any pub, and chat/subscribe/like/repost not-to-mention change venue, at any point. This is a completely new approach to the challenge of moderating social media: break it into smaller human-run ‘pubs’, and then let those pubs federate with those with similar values and #moderation skills. So the technology itself isn’t where #censorship happens – but between #communities".
@nicNicol Wistreich

https://25.netribution.co.uk/nic/edito-part-2-16-years-later-and-the-indie-no-budget-web-of-netribution-1-2-has-gone/

. @andypiper is (another person who is) (correctly) arguing that —

The rules for moderation must be localized to a community (and even conflicting with the rules of other communities), else the network is not decentralized.

@ke5arinKathleen Chu

RE: https://youtu.be/GZ4R4eJzHVs

#DeSo #FediUX #Fediverse #FediverseUX #Moderation #ProgressReimaginedClips

IFTAS Connect is a private, supportive space for moderators, admins, community managers and trust and safety leads across the Fediverse.

If you're working to keep your community safe, you're not alone.

Join us: https://connect.iftas.org

#FediMods #MastoMods #TrustAndSafety #Moderation

some links i keep referring to when talking about managing communities, which i’ve been doing long before i started #TriangleTootParty.

https://eev.ee/blog/2016/07/22/on-a-technicality/

https://runyourown.social

#mastoAdmin #communityManagement #moderation

We're trying to promote small instances (increased decentralization) with moderated signups (saver for the wole Fediverse) that opt-in to be added to our list (consent).

https://joinfediverse.wiki/Instances

#JoinFediverseWiki #decentralization #moderation #consent #instances #InstancesList

If you are in Bologna and like the idea of a #bonfire instance running upon #Guix System and all of its little parenthesis, tonight we are waiting for you at

https://indieweb.social/@bonfire/114476553336858779

We'll collectively setup a Bonfire instance deciding the rules that the #community will follow, how #moderation should be done, which #CodeofConduct to enforce. All on an instance defined with Guix declarative, roll-backable solid take on configuration.

How can you miss it?

📝 Our April 2025 Community Round-Up is live!

From updates in moderation tools to community-led initiatives across the Fediverse, here's what’s been happening, and what’s ahead.

Catch up on the latest from the IFTAS Connect community:
https://connect.iftas.org/news/connect/april-2025-connect-community-round-up/

#Fediverse #Moderation #TrustAndSafety #IFTASConnect

"What about free speech?"

A common question, often misunderstood. This new IFTAS Connect Library article breaks down what free speech really means (especially in US contexts), how it's often misapplied in moderation debates, and why community boundaries matter.

Read it here: https://connect.iftas.org/library/community-management/responding-to-calls-for-free-speech/

#FreeSpeech #Moderation #TrustAndSafety #Fediverse #IFTAS

Hi everyone at BSD Cafe,
I’d like to start by thanking everyone for being part of this community - your presence and support truly mean a lot!
This message will appear across all my BSD Cafe social accounts, as I’d like to make sure it reaches everyone. Apologies for the duplication, but I genuinely believe it’s important.

Lately, there have been some discussions and questions surrounding content moderation on our instance, and I wanted to take a moment to offer some clarity and reaffirm the spirit of our community.

As you know, BSD Cafe was founded as a space primarily focused on technology, with a special place for *BSD and open source. More importantly, though, I want it to be a positive, welcoming, and constructive place for everyone. Our community guidelines, especially principles like "Promote Positivity" and "Be Kind," are central to this vision.
I've seen questions arise, sometimes involving accusations of political censorship from different perspectives, regarding why certain posts might be moderated. I want to be very clear on this: My moderation approach focuses primarily on the tone and manner of communication, not the specific topic itself.
I don't intervene simply because a post discusses politics, a particular tech company, or any potentially divisive subject. I do step in when a post, regardless of the topic or the viewpoint being expressed, adopts a tone that is:
* Provocative or intentionally confrontational.
* Aggressive or disrespectful towards other users or groups.
* Overly negative without constructive intent.
* Contrary to our core principles of kindness and mutual respect.
This standard applies equally to everyone and every "side." If someone were to post something like "Users of X software are idiots," I would address that just as readily as any other topic presented in a hostile way, even if I personally dislike software X.
The goal isn't to "censor" opinions, but to preserve an environment where discussions, even critical ones, can happen civilly and respectfully, without descending into flame wars or personal attacks. We aim to be a space that is pro-constructive dialogue and pro-positivity, not anti-anyone.
BSD Cafe is our shared digital home. Let's continue working together to keep it a pleasant and rewarding place where we can share ideas, learn, and connect over our shared passions (tech and beyond!), feeling comfortable and respected.

Thank you sincerely for your understanding and for everything you contribute to making BSD Cafe a special community!
Let's keep building this positive space together.

#BSDCafe #Community #Moderation #Fediverse #InstanceAdmin #CommunityGuidelines #TechCommunity #Positivity #BeKind

Hi everyone at BSD Cafe,
I’d like to start by thanking everyone for being part of this community - your presence and support truly mean a lot!
This message will appear across all my BSD Cafe social accounts, as I’d like to make sure it reaches everyone. Apologies for the duplication, but I genuinely believe it’s important.

Lately, there have been some discussions and questions surrounding content moderation on our instance, and I wanted to take a moment to offer some clarity and reaffirm the spirit of our community.

As you know, BSD Cafe was founded as a space primarily focused on technology, with a special place for *BSD and open source. More importantly, though, I want it to be a positive, welcoming, and constructive place for everyone. Our community guidelines, especially principles like "Promote Positivity" and "Be Kind", are central to this vision.
I've seen questions arise, sometimes involving accusations of political censorship from different perspectives, regarding why certain posts might be moderated. I want to be very clear on this: My moderation approach focuses primarily on the tone and manner of communication, not the specific topic itself.
I don't intervene simply because a post discusses politics, a particular tech company, or any potentially divisive subject. I do step in when a post, regardless of the topic or the viewpoint being expressed, adopts a tone that is:
* Provocative or intentionally confrontational.
* Aggressive or disrespectful towards other users or groups.
* Overly negative without constructive intent.
* Contrary to our core principles of kindness and mutual respect.
This standard applies equally to everyone and every "side". If someone were to post something like "Users of X software are idiots", I would address that just as readily as any other topic presented in a hostile way, even if I personally dislike software X.
The goal isn't to "censor" opinions, but to preserve an environment where discussions, even critical ones, can happen civilly and respectfully, without descending into flame wars or personal attacks. We aim to be a space that is pro-constructive dialogue and pro-positivity, not anti-anyone.
BSD Cafe is our shared digital home. Let's continue working together to keep it a pleasant and rewarding place where we can share ideas, learn, and connect over our shared passions (tech and beyond!), feeling comfortable and respected.

Thank you sincerely for your understanding and for everything you contribute to making BSD Cafe a special community!
Let's keep building this positive space together.

#BSDCafe #Community #Moderation #Fediverse #InstanceAdmin #CommunityGuidelines #TechCommunity #Positivity #BeKind

#federatedNotDecentralized
This space does not have one provider. It was designed for many #servers to participate: https://observablehq.com/@neocartocnrs/mastodon
I moved from an instance with #moderation issues. You should too.
What is a good size? You may reverse the question: a good #neighbourhood council takes decisions to scale or to limit growth.
I invite you to try another account and pick an instance of reasonable size: https://mastodon.help/instances/en?lang=112&desc=&minu=111&maxu=8000&minau=111&minki=800&black=1&creg=1&appr=0&lcok=0&ord=rand&advc=1&p=1
Then post an #introduction with #hashTags: https://mstdn.social/@breton/109372054032955705