New Privacy Guides tutorial :mastodon: ✅
by me:

This article is now a series of two articles on Privacy and Security on Mastodon.

This tutorial is a step-by-step guide
to help Mastodon users make the most of the privacy and security features the platform offers.

The first article of this series was divided to better segment the information for readers who might prefer to read or share each part independently.

How To Improve Your Privacy and Security on Mastodon

#PrivacyGuides #Mastodon #Privacy #Security #Tutorial #Fediverse #TinyMastodonTip

Tiny Mastodon Tip to Block a Domain :blobcatstop:

If you would like to block an entire domain or instance on Mastodon, there are 2 easy ways to do this.

Be careful however, this will
block everyone from this instance, and you will lose your followers and follows from this instance as well.

HOW TO❓

1. The easiest way is to find a user from the instance you want to block, then click on the 3-dot "Menu" button on their profile. From the drop-menu, select "Block domain DOMAIN_NAME" 🙅‍♀️

2. You can also "pre-block" an instance or domain, even without a user account. From the web interface, go to "Preferences" > "Import and export" > "Export", then download the "CSV" file for your "Domain blocks" 🗃️

3. Open the blocked_domains.csv file as a text file 📑

4. Type each domain you wish to block on a separate line. Save this file using the same filename 💾

5. Back to your account, move to the "Import" section from the left-side menu. From the "Import type", select "Domain blocking list" 📂

6. Select "Merge" to add blocked domains to your existing list, or "Overwrite" to only use the file you just saved ➕

7. Verify the information on the confirmation page, then click "Confirm" 👀

8. You are now (relatively) safer from this domain 😌✨

#TinyMastodonTip #Mastodon #Privacy #Threads #Bluesky #Fediverse

New Privacy Guides article :mastodon: 🔒
by me:

While most social media rely on commercial models harvesting users' data to sell to advertisers,

Mastodon offers a human-centric alternative that doesn't seek profits from your data and attention.

This means better social connections, better controls, and better privacy!

The first part of this article discusses privacy and security on Mastodon.

The second part is a tutorial to guide you in making the most of Mastodon's security and privacy related features.

This tutorial includes how to:

• Enable multifactor authentication 🔑🔑

• Adjust privacy vs discovery 👀

• Select post visibility and access :neocat_box:

• Verify yourself :blobcatverified:

• Delete and back up your data :nes_fire:

• Block users and instances ⛔

• Opt out with hashtags #️⃣

• Move from one instance to another 🚀

I hope this helps you making the most of what Mastodon has to offers! :awesome:

https://www.privacyguides.org/articles/2025/07/15/mastodon-privacy-and-security/

#PrivacyGuides #Mastodon #Fediverse #Privacy #Security #Tutorial #TheFutureIsFederated #TinyMastodonTip

Tiny Mastodon Tip About Quote Posts :mastodon: 📢

If your instance is already running the newly released version Mastodon 4.4,

Know that in preparation for the full implementation, the team has included a consent setting for the upcoming Quote Post feature.

While quoting a post will not
be available as a native feature until Mastodon 4.5 later this year, it's wonderful that you can adjust if you want in or not before it even arrives! :awesome:

HOW TO❓

1. From the web interface, go to "Preferences" on the right-side menu. Then click on "Other" under the "Preferences" section :blocky_white_cursor:

2. If your instance was newly updated, you should now see an option in "Posting Defaults" for "Who can quote" (see image below) 👇

Note: If the option isn't there, your instance has not updated to the version including it yet. Be patient, it will likely be added in the weeks to come.

3. From the "Who can quote" drop-menu, you can choose either "Everyone", "Followers and mentioned users", or "Only mentioned users" :ablobcatnod:

4. Once the next version is released, you will be ready for Quote Posts! No matter your choices 💪

5. Enjoy the freedom of choosing the features you wish to participate in (or not)! 😌✨

For more information on Quote Posts, you can read Mastodon's announcement blog about it here: https://blog.joinmastodon.org/2025/02/bringing-quote-posts-to-mastodon/

#TinyMastodonTip #Mastodon #Fediverse #QuotePosts

@Em0nM4stodon That’s such a clever little trick—thank you! Sometimes it’s the tiniest settings that save the thoughts we actually want to keep around. Consider this favorited (for both reasons 😉).
#TinyMastodonTip #DigitalWisdom

Tiny Mastodon Reminder About Alt-Text :mastodon: 💬

For people who do not boost
posts with images missing alt-text
(which I also do):

Just a tiny reminder that some articles include an *image preview* when linked, which will not have alt-text directly on the preview itself (because it's a link, not an image).

However, most will have alt-text for the cover image in the article itself, when clicking on the link.

Basically, these previewed images
aren't direct images but just a link,
so it's not possible to add alt-text to it, only within the article.

TL;DR:

1. Boost posts with link with image preview :boost_ok: 👍

2. Add alt-text to your posts if it's a direct image (and not a link preview) 👍

#TinyMastodonTip #Mastodon #Fediverse #AltText

Tiny Mastodon Tip to Hide Topics 🫣 :mastodon:

If you get tired of seeing some
topics in your Mastodon feeds,

Know that you can use "Filters"
to help you save your spoons.

HOW TO ❓

From the desktop web interface:

1. Go to "Preferences" on the right-side menu.

2. Click on "Filters" on the left-side menu.

3. At the top-right, click on the "Add new filter" button.

4. Give a name to your filter in the "Title" field at the top, for example "US Politics". This Title will be displayed instead of the post and you will have the option to click on the Title to reveal a filtered post in your feeds 👀

5. Select the options you prefer. I recommend selecting "Hide with a warning" at first. That way, you will see if your Filter works and get the option described above to see it ⚠️ :blocky_white_cursor:

6. In "KEYWORDS", add the hashtags, words, names, or expressions you wish to hide for this topic. Select "Whole word" on the right.

7. Click on "Add keyword" at the bottom to add as many hashtags, names, or words that you wish for a same topic :neocat_book:

8. Click on "Save new filter".

9. Magic! 🥄✨

Bonus Tip! To help everyone's filters work, on Mastodon it's good to use uncensored names and hashtags in your posts. That way, people will be able to filter it out if they wish 💚

#TinyMastodonTip #Mastodon #Filters

Don't forget to use hashtags to spread the word about events on Mastodon :ablobcatnod:

That way, people can follow the hashtag to keep track, or filter out the hashtag if they're not interested #️⃣👀

Also capitalize each word in a hashtag to help with accessibility.

Like this! 👇
#TinyMastodonTip #Mastodon

If you just came back to Mastodon,

WELCOME BACK! :awesome: :mastodon:

We are very happy to see you again and hope you enjoy this wonderful corporate-free and ad-free community!💚✨

If you feel lost a bit or need a refresher, I wrote that thing for you: https://infosec.exchange/@Em0nM4stodon/109323504324459171

And also that thing 👇
#TinyMastodonTip

And you should really follow this wonderful account 👉 @FediTips

#Mastodon #Fediverse

@Em0nM4stodon

This is a very important tip that took me a long time to discover.
I'll pair it with another one - mute from home.

Sometimes I realize certain accounts I follow are flooding my home feed with boosts of certain kinds. I basically like the content, but it's too much. So I put these accounts in a special list that I look at when I feel like it, and mute them from my home feed.

#tips #tinymastodontip #lists

@darkbeth, @Em0nM4stodon Has a a guide at https://controlaltdelete.technology/articles/the-mastodons-guide-to-the-fediverse.html and lot of non-tech friendly Mastodon tips all with the #TinyMastodonTip hashtag. And she is awesome to follow!

With today's news that Meta's
moderation might be going down the drain (even more)¹, you might want to reconsider how you are connecting with Meta's content from Threads on the Fediverse 👇

Threads (owned by Meta) connects
with some instances of Mastodon and the Fediverse since last year.²

While some instances have decided to block Threads entirely³, most have not (for various reasons).

Even if you are on an instance that
does not block Threads, and if you have no intention to move, you still have options to block Threads at the account level ⛔️

There are 2 easy ways to do this on Mastodon from the web interface:

Option 1:

1. Find the profile of someone who is on Meta's Threads instance, click on the 3-dot "Menu" button on the upper right of their profile, select "Block domain threads.net" 🙅

(Mastodon mobile apps and other Fediverse software might have similar features)

Option 2:

2. Go to "Preferences" > "Import and export" and click on the "CSV" button right to "Domain blocks" 🚫

2.1. Download locally the file "blocked_domains.csv" and open it in a text software. You should see a list of the domains you have already blocked, or nothing if you have blocked none.

2.2. Add to the list the domain "threads.net" and save the file keeping it in ".csv".

2.3. Back to "Import and export" go to "Import". In "Import type" select "Domain blocking list". At the bottom right, select "Overwrite" if you have copied the whole list as instructed, or "Merge" if you have added the new domain in a separate file (which you can also do).

2.4. On the bottom left, click "Browse" and select your file. Click "Upload"

2.5. When prompted with a confirmation message, click "Confirm"

3. No more Meta! Magic!✨

👉 You can follow these instructions to block or pre-block any other instances at the account level.

👉 This will not isolate your data as well as an instance block from your instance's admin, but it will prevent you from seeing or directly interacting with any Threads post.

References:

¹ https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/meta-fact-checking-program-ends-1.7424631

² https://www.howtogeek.com/threads-now-connects-to-mastodon-and-other-fediverse-platforms/

³ https://fedipact.online

#TinyMastodonTip #Mastodon #Fediverse #Meta #Threads #Moderation

First Saturday of the New Year! :blobcatrainbow: 🎉

This is the perfect timing to backup your Mastodon data!

HOW TO❓

From the web interface:

1. Go to "Preferences" > "Import and export" and in the "Export" section click on "Request your archive" at the bottom :blocky_white_cursor:

2. Wait for the compressed file to be ready, it can take a few minutes. You might receive an email notification if you have set it up that way 🗜️

3. Once ready, in the same section click on "Download your archive"
(I like to save mine in a local folder I name "MastodonArchive_YYYYMMDD") 📁

4. Then, in the upper section of the same page click on each of the "CSV" buttons you see on the right side and save them in the same local folder 💾

5. Magic!✨

Note: You should probably do this more than once a year too 😉

#TinyMastodonTip #Mastodon #BackUp

Tiny Fediverse Tip to Organize ✊💚:

In the months to come,
it will become increasingly important to organize, and to organize outside of corporate-owned environments.

Here are a few tools you can use to organize through the Fediverse:

Organize Mastodon Groups :blobcouple:
(Thanks for this tutorial @FediTips !)
Here's how: https://fedi.tips/how-to-use-groups-on-the-fediverse/

Follow Mastodon Hashtags #️⃣
Here's how: https://infosec.exchange/@Em0nM4stodon/110493675813951054

Organize Events with Mobilizon :neocat_approve:
Here's how: https://joinmobilizon.org/en/

Share Information on PeerTube 📺
Here's how: https://joinpeertube.org/

Don't give up! Organize! ✊✨

#TinyMastodonTip #Mastodon #Fediverse

Tiny Mastodon AND Privacy Tips :mastodon: 🔒:

Depending on your situation,
you might want to increase your privacy and security levels on Mastodon.

Here are a few easy things
you can do for this. Pick and choose what works best for you (instructions are from a browser's web interface):

Enable 2FA ✌️

Why? Reduces account takeover

How? Go to Preferences > Account > Two-factor Auth. Pick a method here and make sure to carefully note and safely store your "Backup recovery codes."

Activate Auto-Delete :nes_fire:

Why? Reduces unwanted parties collecting your data overtime

How? Go to Preferences > Automated post deletion. Select "Age threshold" and "Exceptions" based on your preferences.

Default to Private 🚪

Why? If you post on more sensitive/personal topics, you might want to limit visibility to your followers only. Know that your posts will not be "boostable," however. You can change this per post as well.

How? Go to Preferences > Preferences > Other. In "Posting Defaults" you can adjust the "Posting privacy" to "Followers-only".

Approve Followers ✅

Why? If you want to limit who can see your Followers-only posts, you might want to restrict who can follow you.

How? Go to Preferences > Public profile > Privacy and reach. In "Reach", uncheck "Automatically accept new followers". You will have to approve each new follower manually.

Block Corporate Media ⛔

Why? If you post about sensitive topics, you might want to reduce visibility from larger corporate media such as Meta's Threads, who might use your information in different ways.

How? Follow these instructions: https://mastodon.moule.world/@MOULE/110586343942660169

Cautiously Use Direct Messages 🤐

Why? Direct Messages (Specific People messages), are not end-to-end encrypted on Mastodon. This means your instance's administrator(s) could technically read your messages, now or later on.

How? For any sensitive discussion, you should transfer to a trustworthy end-to-end encrypted (E2EE) application. For example, share your Signal's username, Matrix's handle, or throwaway E2EE email address in DM to continue the conversation there.

Verify External Accesses 👀

Why? Verify the apps that have access to your Mastodon account are the ones that you want. In case of doubt, ask your instance's administrator.

How? Go to Preferences > Account > Authorized apps. Make sure every app there is something that you use or that your Mastodon instance's administrator uses.

Stay safe my friends! 🔒💚

#TinyMastodonTip #TinyPrivacyTip #Mastodon #Fediverse #Privacy

I don't know if this horrible
news might bring more people to Mastodon today,

But if you are new here and feel lost,
I wrote this little guide you might find helpful 💚👇

https://controlaltdelete.technology/articles/the-mastodons-guide-to-the-fediverse.html

And this hashtag 👉 #TinyMastodonTip

#Mastodon #TwitterMigration

Tiny Mastodon Tip About Algorithm :blobwizard:

How to build your own social media "algorithm" on Mastodon recipe:

1. Follow hashtags for topics that interest you! Here's how: https://infosec.exchange/@Em0nM4stodon/110493675813951054 #️⃣

2. Remove the topics you do not want to read about (including hashtags) using Filters. Here's how: https://infosec.exchange/@Em0nM4stodon/109323462169819778 :elmo_fire:

3. Create Lists for the people you want to make sure not to miss a post from. How? From the web interface, simply click on "Lists" in the right side menu, add a new List, and on people's profiles click on the 3-dot "Menu" to "Add or Remove from lists." Some mobile apps like Mona will allow you to create shortcuts to access your Lists :ablobdj:

4. Boost others' posts to be a nice curation algorithm for your friends! :boost_ok:

Enjoy human-made algorithm! :awesome:✨

#TinyMastodonTip #Mastodon

Tiny Mastodon Tip About Boosts :mastodon: :boost_ok:!

First, yes! You should absolutely boost the posts that you like on Mastodon! :neocat_heart:

Boosting (reposting) is a very important feature on Mastodon! Because there are no algorithm to push content in your timeline, it is what others post and repost that you see chronologically.

Boosting keeps Mastodon alive!
Do it! Boost it! :boost_ok: :blobcatrainbow:

That being said,
if you personally get annoyed by someone else's boosts, know that you have options:

1. Everyone should enable the "Group boosts in timelines" option. You can find it from the browser interface in "Preferences" > "Other" at the very top. This will hide new boosts for posts that have been recently boosted :ablobslurp:

2. You can hide all of someone's boosts without hiding their original posts. Go to the person's profile, select the 3-dot "Menu" button (in the browser interface, this will vary per mobile app), and select "Hide boosts from [handle]" :blobcatthinksmart:

3. You can mute someone's posts temporarily (boosts and originals). On the same "Menu", select "Mute [handle]" then "Show options." You can select between 24 hours, 7 days, or 30 days 🤐

4. Know also that you are more likely to notice someone boosting a post repeatedly if you follow few people. Because there are no algorithm here, it is also a good idea to follow more people. Especially if you find your timeline too quiet :acongablob:

5. Don't forget to boost the posts that you like! :awesome:✨

#TinyMastodonTip #Mastodon #Fediverse

Tiny Mastodon Tip to Find Your Posts 🔎 :mastodon:

If you are looking for a post you wrote,
know that even while opt out of search, you can still search your own posts (if your instance allows it).

HOW TO ❓

1. In the "Search" field in a browser or mobile app, type "from:me" followed by a space and the search word you are looking for.

For example, if I search my own posts about Privacy, I would type:

"from:me privacy"

Then, clicking on the "Posts" tab (on the browser interface), I will see a (very long) list of all the posts I wrote that contain the word "privacy" 😮📚

By the way, it's okay to boost your own older posts once in a while :boost_ok:

Have fun!✨

#TinyMastodonTip #Mastodon

Some hashtags to follow to
dilute your timeline's doom
with some wholesome bliss #️⃣👇

# Hope 💚

# Mosstodon 🌱

# LichenSubscribe 🌿

# BloomScrolling 🌷

# Mushtodon 🍄

# CatsOfMastodon :blobcatrainbow:

(separated from the hashtag sign as to not pollute the hashtag's results)

HOW TO ❓

1. In a browser (this will vary per mobile app), search for the hashtag in the "Search or paste URL" field.

2. Click on the "Hashtags" tab at the top.

3. Click on the hashtag you are looking for.

4. Click on the "Follow hashtag" button at the top right.

5. Magic!✨

#TinyMastodonTip #Mastodon