While Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg have shown that the whims of one person can turn an entire social network upside down, Mastodon CEO and creator Evgeniy Rochko is moving in the opposite direction. IN released today, the Mastodon team announced their intention to allow a new non-profit organization to take over the company. In other words, Rochko is voluntarily handing over the reins to the service he founded almost ten years ago.
The company has taken some steps to create a non-profit organization in the United States. and this organization will continue to exist as a “fundraising center.” However, the company as a whole will continue to locate its headquarters abroad. “We are taking the time to select the appropriate jurisdiction and structure in Europe,” the company wrote. “We will then determine what other (subsidiary) legal structures are needed to support operations and sustainability.” Mastodon says the restructuring will take place over the next six months.
Rochko made his position on Musk clear. He told Musk: “two years ago. He also has recent “Deeply disturbing.” While Mastodon hasn't been as obvious a player in terms of user numbers as, say, Threads or Bluesky in the post-X social media restructuring, Mastodon may still find the most moral path forward.