Tŵt, the community‑owned social platform created in 2018, has unveiled a six‑week campaign called “Pethau Bychain” — a nod to the famous words of Dewi Sant and a call to build a more thoughtful, people‑centred digital culture. The initiative leads into the official launch of the new Tŵt app on St David’s Day.
Over the coming weeks, Tŵt will publish a series of reflections on how small, everyday actions can reshape the online world. From adding image descriptions for accessibility to using language tags that support Welsh speakers, the campaign argues that these “little things” can help build a digital commons that belongs to the people of Wales rather than distant corporations.
“We are at a turning point in how we exist online,” said Jaz‑Michael King, Director at Tŵt Cymru. “The legacy platforms are failing to provide safe, joyful spaces for community connection. By focusing on the ‘pethau bychain’, we are proving that digital sovereignty isn’t just about technology; it’s about hospitality, kindness, and taking control of our own digital heritage. This is our cyfraniad to Cymru — our contribution to the nation.”
Tŵt is part of the fast‑growing Social Web, also known as the Fediverse — a decentralised network of independent platforms that connect together without relying on a single company to control data or feeds. The approach allows Tŵt users to interact seamlessly with other UK‑based communities such as mastodonapp.uk and mastodon.scot, as well as thousands of servers worldwide.
Unlike mainstream social networks, Tŵt is not driven by advertising or data mining. The platform is governed by its members, who set the rules and shape the culture.
“The difference with Tŵt is that the people using the platform have a real say in how it’s run. Moderation isn’t outsourced or automated, it’s rooted in our shared values as a community. We’re accountable to each other, not to shareholders or algorithms,” said Jayne Samuel‑Walker, community moderator at Tŵt.
The campaign will culminate in a community event in Cardiff on 28 February, bringing together supporters and digital pioneers on the eve of the app’s official launch.
More information on the “Pethau Bychain” series, along with event details, is available at croeso.toot.wales.
