Open-Source Software, Fediverse and Custom ROMs as Tools for a Sustainable Internet

The transition to sustainable electronics necessitates both resource conservation in hardware production and shifts in software usage. This paper investigates the contribution of Free/Libre Open-Source Software (FLOSS) towards fair, and conflict-free practices through promoting collaboration, transparency, and resource accessibility. Our study investigates how the adoption of decentralized online social networks (DOSN) like Mastodon (microblogging) and PeerTube (video sharing), which operate on the ActivityPub protocol, contributes to sustainable practices within the electronics sector by fostering a federated universe (Fediverse). It is demonstrated how FLOSS, in the form of Alternative Mobile Operating Systems (AMOS) including Android open-source custom ROMs or mobile Linux systems, gain traction due to enhanced privacy protection, improved usability through tracker-free software and alternative app stores, and adherence to EU directives on the right to self-repair. As AMOS mature for everyday use, they attract consumers, thereby contributing towards sustainable electronics development. Furthermore, the Fediverse's Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) enable seamless information exchange between instances, allowing for nuanced moderation that safeguards user privacy. This approach contrasts with centralized commercial networks, where algorithm-driven operations often prioritize profit over user well-being.