I apologize if this has been asked before, but I'm wondering if it would be feasible to implement a new approach to defederation that offers the option of choosing between complete or partial defederation from another instance.
Currently, defederation blocks both the locally made posts on the defederated instance and its entire userbase. This can be excessive, and in many cases it may be better to block only the posts made on the other instance while still allowing its users to interact with the instance that defederated โ user behavior may differ between their home instance and other instances. This partial defederation (or limited federation) would facilitate normal interaction without negatively affecting the content of a feed.
Problematic users could be managed on a case-by-case basis using bans, similar to how it is done for federated instances. Automated tools could simplify this process in the future. Complete defederation would still be necessary in extreme cases where no positive user interactions are expected, such as with instances that promote Nazism.
Instances are being forced to choose between a sledgehammer and nothing at all, and I think a compromise is warranted. I'm curious to read others' thoughts on how to solve this existing challenge.
EDIT: I added a rough sketch that outlines the proposal. On the left side is the system as it works now and on the right side are two possible scenarios for limited federation (1 direction or bidirectional)
~~Yeah, they defederated from lemmy.ml as well~~
EDIT: Seems like that's no longer the case. Before I wasn't able to comment in beehaw.
At this point, they might just be going the way of turning off federation completely, at which point they can have their little curated walled garden where no one can disobey without a full account ban, and then they will slowly cease to exist.
lemmy.ml is still on Beehaw's list of instances.
Oh weird. Last I checked you couldn't reply or comment on any beehaw posts. Seems to be working okay now.