By
Kseniia Klichova
February 23rd, 2024
Mask’s team will begin operations and maintenance on the Pawoo server, starting from December 21.
Popular encrypted messaging protocol Mask Network has acquired a major internet server – Pawoo.net, from the social media platform Mastodon. The development was shared in a December 21 blog post by the firm. Per the post, the deal will see Mask’s team take over the reins at Pawoo.net with immediate effect. This means that all operations and maintenance of the server become Mask’s responsibility starting today.
Meanwhile, the cost of the acquisition is yet to be officially announced. But nonetheless, Mask Network assures that the deal will have no impact on existing Pawoo users.
Mask Network Aims to Build Decentralized Social Network
By acquiring the Japan-based Pawoo server, Mask is hoping to create a “decentralized social network and a free, open internet.” The acquisition comes at a time when anticipation for the emergence of truly decentralized social networks is sky-high. And interestingly, Pawoo is the second-largest internet server on Mastodon, which boasts of no less than 800,000 users.
It might also be worth noting that Mastodon itself is gradually gaining massive popularity for its open-source-based and decentralized social network. This is especially among individuals who believe in self-control.
To put the above statement into perspective, Mastodon users are allowed to set up their own social networks and determine how it operates and what their users may share or not. And that is undoubtedly more than can be found on most other social media platforms, according to Mask.
Since launching in 2017, Mask has raised nearly $50 million from both private and institutional investors. This is even as it continually strives to build a connecting bridge from Web 2.0 to Web 3.0 era decentralized apps. One such instance is when Mask announced the launch of a US$42 million Bonfire Union fund in July. At the time, the protocol called it a strategic fund. It said the fund would be used only to invest in decentralized social networks, infrastructure, and creative content.
As of publication, the Mask Network’s native token (MASK) was seen trading at $2.29 having slumped by 1.33% over the past 24 hours, according to CoinMarketCap.