A decentralized social network is a platform for communication and information sharing built on a blockchain.
Such a social network is not controlled by any one central organization or company. Unlike traditional social networks such as VKontakte, Telegram or Zapretgram, where all data is stored on servers owned by a single company, decentralized networks use blockchain and distribute data across multiple servers (nodes) that are managed by multiple independent participants. Accordingly, there is no central organization that can control censorship and access to user data and make any decisions. And if suddenly some nodes fail, the network will run smoothly.
Users control their own data and interactions. They decide where and how to store their data, who can access it, and how the data is used. Typically, data is stored on individual servers or by the users themselves, increasing their control over the information. In centralized networks, the owning company has access to all user data. If the centralized server of a traditional social network is hacked, all users’ data is at risk. In decentralized networks, an attack on one server does not threaten the entire network.
Decentralized networks often use encryption and other security technologies to protect user data. Consequently, they are less vulnerable to hacking.
These networks are often based on open protocols that allow different platforms and applications to communicate with each other. In decentralized networks, monetization does not always involve advertising and the collection of user data. Accordingly, companies that collect and sell user data become uninterested in this. Many platforms have their own tokens that users can buy to gain access to some content, make purchases or send tips to their favorite bloggers.
There are no middlemen in decentralized social networks. Content creators have direct ownership of their content and interact directly with subscribers or buyers using smart contracts.
Centralized networks can remove content and block users at will. Decentralized social networks are more resistant to censorship – a user cannot be blocked unless there is a reason to do so. Moderation can be done by the community or automatically based on open rules and smart contracts (this is a program code that contains all the rules that are automatically executed)
How moderation works in decentralized networks:
A platform can be divided into many separate nodes (servers), each of which can be managed by its own admins. These admins set their own rules for behavior and moderation. For example, one server may be stricter, prohibiting all forms of hatred and discrimination, while another may be more liberal.
In some decentralized networks, users themselves can report violations and participate in content moderation. They can vote to remove controversial content or block users who break the rules. Such governance avoids centralizing power and makes the moderation process more democratic. Automated tools such as content filters and machine learning algorithms can also be used to identify and flag banned content. These tools can be customized by node admins according to their policies. Nodes or users can block or blacklist other nodes or users who distribute banned content. This creates a system of mutual accountability where nodes choose who they will interact with.
Smart contracts can often be used to automatically apply moderation rules. Smart contracts can automatically apply sanctions to users who violate the rules, reducing the need for human intervention.
How to register:
When registering with decentralized social networks, there is no need to enter your data. In some, registration can occur through the connection of a cryptocurrency wallet. This provides anonymity and security, as users can register using the public address of their wallet without having to provide personal data (name, email address, etc.). In such systems, account login is done through transaction or signature confirmation using the wallet. This also confirms ownership of the account.
In some decentralized networks, users can register using only a pseudonym and password, without having to enter an email address or other personal data. This allows the user to remain anonymous. On some platforms, users may choose to provide an email to regain access to the account or receive notifications, but this is not a requirement.
Some social networks support registration via DID (decentralized identification) using special identification apps, such as 3Box.
In rare cases, public key registration (e.g. PGP or SSH) may be offered, where users can create and manage their accounts via cryptographic keys.
Decentralized social networks are becoming increasingly popular among those who value privacy, security, and independence from large corporations. And although they are just developing, they are developing at a very fast pace.
