---
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