Facebook vs Mastodon: Which Secures Your Data Better?
Explore how Facebook's US-based network contrasts with Mastodon's EU focus on privacy, and discover which platform truly safeguards your information.
Should You Switch to Mastodon?
Enhanced privacy, no Cloud Act exposure, decentralized control
Smaller user base, fewer integrated features
Switch if privacy is crucial; stay for features and global reach
At a Glance
US data laws
GDPR protected
freemium
Mastodon
free
Privacy & Compliance Comparison
Critical data sovereignty factors at a glance
| Criteria | Mastodon | |
|---|---|---|
Server Location | US (Facebook data centers), EU (optional) | EU (self-hosted instances) |
GDPR Compliance | Partial (SCCs) | Full |
Open Source | ||
E2E Encryption | Optional | Optional |
Data Portability | Partial | Full export |
CLOUD Act Notice
Facebook is a US company and must comply with CLOUD Act data requests, even for data stored in EU data centers. Mastodon is not subject to US jurisdiction.
Mastodon
🇪🇺US Data Storage
Data subject to US CLOUD Act and may be accessed by US authorities
EU Data Protection
Data protected under GDPR with EU-only data residency
Certifications & Compliance
No certifications listed
Reasons to Switch
- ✓Decentralized: Users control their own data.
- ✓GDPR Compliance: Full adherence to EU data laws.
- ✓Open Source: Transparent and customizable code.
- ✓No Ads: Focus on user experience, not monetization.
Things to Consider
- !Smaller User Base: Less global reach than Facebook.
- !Learning Curve: New interface and features to learn.
- !Migration Pain: Data transfer can be cumbersome.
Migration Overview
Depends on data size and complexity
Quick Steps
Create Mastodon account and configure settings
Export and prepare data from Facebook
Import data, test integrations, and migrate users
Note: Switching to Mastodon may require some technical setup and understanding of decentralized networks.
Other alternatives to Facebook
Ready to make the switch?
Start using Mastodon today and take control of your data privacy.