Decentralized social networks like Mastodon and BlueSky are trending topics that have drawn much attention and discussion in recent years. By devolving powers from the central node to the end users, decentralized social networks aim to cure existing pathologies on the centralized platforms and have been viewed by many as the future of the Internet. This article critically and systematically assesses the decentralization project's prospect for communications online. It uses normative theories of free speech to examine whether and how the decentralization design could facilitate users' freedom of expression online. The analysis shows that both promises and pitfalls exist, highlighting the importance of value-based design in this area. Two most salient issues for the design of the decentralized networks are: how to balance the decentralization ideal with constant needs of centralization on the network, and how to empower users to make them truly capable of exercising their control. The article then uses some design examples, such as the shared blocklist and the opt-in search function, to illustrate the value considerations underlying the design choices. Some tentative proposals for law and policy interventions are offered to better facilitate the design of the new network. Rather than providing clear answers, the article seeks to map the value implications of the design choices, highlight the stakes, and point directions for future research.

翻译：近年来，Mastodon和BlueSky等去中心化社交网络已成为备受关注和讨论的热点话题。通过将权力从中心节点下放至终端用户，去中心化社交网络旨在解决中心化平台存在的现有弊端，并被许多人视为互联网的未来。本文批判性、系统性地评估了去中心化项目在线上传播领域的发展前景。文章运用言论自由的规范性理论，检视去中心化设计是否及如何促进用户的线上表达自由。分析表明，该模式既存在潜力也面临挑战，凸显了基于价值的设计在此领域的重要性。去中心化网络设计中最突出的两个问题是：如何平衡去中心化理念与网络对中心化的持续需求，以及如何赋能用户使其真正有能力行使控制权。文章随后通过共享黑名单和选择性加入搜索功能等设计实例，阐释了设计选择背后的价值考量。本文提出了一些初步的法律与政策干预建议，以更好地促进新型网络的设计。文章并非提供明确答案，而是旨在厘清设计选择的价值意涵，阐明关键利害关系，并为未来研究指明方向。