16 German Foundations Take a Stand for Digital Sovereignty and Freedom of Expression
Initiators launch their own Mastodon server “stiftungen.social” within the decentralized social network
May 4, 2026 – To mark World Press Freedom Day, a total of 16 German foundations are launching today on the Mastodon server “stiftungen.social”. With this initiative, they are advocating for an open information infrastructure in digital communication – one that is free from algorithms and based on European open-source technology. Through the new server, the foundations are pursuing a so-called “Plus One strategy,” aiming to reduce their dependence on major Chinese or U.S. tech platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, or TikTok in their social media communications.
The “stiftungen.social” server was set up by the Rudolf Augstein Foundation, Robert Bosch Stiftung, Gemeinnützige Hertie-Stiftung, Joachim Herz Foundation, VolkswagenStiftung, and ZEIT STIFTUNG BUCERIUS. The foundation server on Mastodon was developed and implemented jointly by the non-profit organization Save Social – Networks For Democracy and the initiating foundations.
In addition, starting May 4, the Allianz Foundation, Bertelsmann Stiftung, Deutsche Nationalstiftung, Karg Foundation, Körber-Stiftung, NIedersächsische Lotto-Sport-Stiftung, Michael Otto Foundation for Sustainability, Schöpflin Foundation, taz panterstiftung, and Carl Zeiss Stiftung will also be active on “stiftungen.social.”
“Hate speech, incitement, and disinformation are increasing massively on platforms operated by U.S. and Chinese corporations,” the group of initiators explains. “At the same time, these platforms are evading responsibility and regulation. This undermines trust in information and distorts public debate through algorithms. With stiftungen.social, we are sending a clear signal in support of independent social networks and strengthening new, autonomous digital spaces.”
The project will be presented for the first time today at the 2MR Festival at Bucerius Law School in Hamburg, which puts democracy-strengthening social media at the center of attention. Over the course of the day, the participating foundations will also publish their first posts on Mastodon under the hashtag #neuhier. This link provides access to all accounts on “stiftungen.social.”
“It is an important signal that major German foundations are launching their own Mastodon server,” says Felix Hlatky, Director of Mastodon. “By doing so, they are actively contributing to the development and operation of an independent information infrastructure – one our democracies urgently need. We are very pleased that the strong content produced by these foundations will enrich the global Mastodon network.”
“stiftungen.social” is the new home for the foundations within the Mastodon network. Through the platform, the participating foundations can communicate about their work with around 15 million users worldwide. At the same time, “stiftungen.social” serves as a sender address that stands for quality and authenticity, and as a hub for dialogue with a growing community. The server is open to additional foundations that are active in the German-speaking region and committed to the democratic constitutional order.
Mastodon is a decentralized social network that connects people through independent, interlinked servers. It enables the sharing of short posts, discussions, and media within an open and diverse digital public sphere. Thanks to its decentralized structure, Mastodon strengthens digital sovereignty, communities, and self-determined online communication.