In 2024, the Democrats ran on the catchphrase “We are not going back.” Even after the party’s resounding defeat, the refrain may have been more prophetic than they imagined. New research shows that once a country begins a descent into authoritarianism it’s extremely difficult to reverse. And the first vector of attack is often the free press.

The rush to secure passports and visas comes as many countries tighten immigration rules.

Yet Bluesky isn’t just a repository for social media’s disaffected. It’s also the best example of how “federation”—a buzzy Silicon Valley term that describes a structure wherein multiple independent groups collaborate to share information—can build a more equitable and independent social media experience.