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+---
+title: "Decentralized and privacy-friendly social networks"
+date: 2021-06-17T09:50:39+07:00
+layout: wiki
+wiki: freeguide
+categories: [ "social network" ]
+---
+
+# Federation
+
+So, of all kinds of software, why did I chose to start with social networks?
+Because social networks has the strongest network effect, with instant
+messaging being second[^0].  Using a non-free social network service is taking
+part in forcing your friends and families to use it.
+
+This could be said for any social network services, except for decentralized
+ones, or federated ones, usually dubbed *fediverse*.  The idea is similar to
+that of emails:  people can use different services, yet can talk with each
+other seamlessly via open protocols.  You can use GMail or HotMail, but if I
+disagree with Google and Microsoft terms of service I would still be able to
+send emails to you from my Disroot mail account[^1].  Another example is mobile
+network service---no matter which one you choose, I'm still able to call you or
+send you SMS messages. This is not the case for mainstream social networks.
+Even if I disagree (an understatement) with Facebook's terms of service and
+privacy policy, I still have to have a Facebook account in order to talk to you
+or interact with your posts.
+
+So, in short, these *federated social networks* can not only talk to each
+other, using the same open protocols (the ways by which servers talk with each
+other).  Below are some federation protocols:
+
+# ActivityPub
+
+ActivityPub is, as of the time writing, arguably the most popular federation
+protocol.  Related posts:
+
+- [List of applications][ap-apps]
+- [List of instances][ap-inst]
+
+[ap-apps]: /free-guide/activitypub-apps/
+[ap-inst]: /free-guide/activitypub-instances/
+
+# Diaspora
+
+*This section is empty because I have no experience with it.  Please [expand].*
+
+# pump.io
+
+*This section is empty because I have no experience with it.  Please [expand].*
+
+# Zot
+
+*This section is empty because I have no experience with it.  Please [expand].*
+
+
+[^0]: No source, just common sense.  Feel free to correct me if you have source
+  proving otherwise.  
+  Social networks require a lot of (active) people there to be interesting.
+  Messaging apps just requires there to be someone else there.
+[^1]: Microsoft [blocked](https://disroot.org/en/blog/microsoft_hostility)
+  Disroot emails and I wouldn't be able to do this.  However, the block was
+  removed after hundreds of requests.  Such blocks can happen on federated
+  social networks as well, and it will be discussed in a later post on choosing
+  your instance.
+[^2]: Next to PeerTube.  Again, just my speculation.  I mainly use Mastodon so
+  I might be biased.  I'm waiting for Cunningham's law to take effect.
+
+[expand]: mailto:huyngo+freeguide@disroot.org