We are excited to announce that Automattic, the parent company of WordPress.com, has acquired an ActivityPub plugin, which will enable WordPress.com blogs to join the Fediverse. This acquisition will make it possible for WordPress.com users to interact with users on other federated social networks such as Mastodon, PeerTube, and Pixelfed. This move marks a significant step towards a more decentralized web and will help to build a more inclusive social media environment.

What is the Fediverse?

The Fediverse is a network of decentralized social platforms that use the ActivityPub protocol to communicate with each other. It’s a collection of independent platforms that allow users to create and consume content across the network, much like the web itself. With this acquisition, WordPress.com users will be able to interact with users on other federated networks, allowing for a more seamless experience.

How will the ActivityPub plugin work?

The ActivityPub plugin will enable WordPress.com users to create posts and interact with users on other federated networks. Users will be able to follow and be followed by users on other federated networks, and they will be able to receive notifications from those networks. This means that WordPress.com users will be able to participate in conversations happening on other federated networks, and those users will be able to see and respond to WordPress.com content.

Why is this acquisition significant?

The acquisition of the ActivityPub plugin by Automattic is significant because it enables WordPress.com to become a part of the Fediverse. This move is in line with the company’s commitment to an open web and a more decentralized internet. By joining the Fediverse, WordPress.com users will have access to a wider range of content and users, which will help to foster a more inclusive and diverse online community.

Conclusion

The acquisition of the ActivityPub plugin by Automattic is a significant step towards a more decentralized web. It enables WordPress.com users to join the Fediverse and interact with users on other federated social networks, fostering a more inclusive and diverse online community. We are excited about this move and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on the web.