Hubzilla
Hubzilla is a decentralized social networking platform built on web server software called Elgg. It allows users to own and control their own data and social interactions without relying on a centralized service. Hubzilla supports privacy-enhanced features like OStatus and Zot fo
decentralized
federated
social-networking
privacy
Hubzilla: Decentralized Social Networking
A decentralized social networking platform built on Elgg web server software, allowing users to own and control their data and interactions without relying on centralized services.
What is Hubzilla?
Hubzilla is an open-source, decentralized social networking and communications platform built on a foundation of web server software called Elgg. Unlike traditional social networks like Facebook or Twitter that store user data on centralized servers controlled by a single company, Hubzilla allows users to have ownership and control over their own data and social interactions.
Some key features and benefits of Hubzilla include:
- Decentralization - Each Hubzilla server/node functions independently, communicating with other servers via the OStatus federated social networking protocol. This avoids reliance on a single service provider.
- Privacy & Security - Data resides on servers controlled by users, providing enhanced privacy and protection against data exploitation/monetization by third parties.
- Flexibility & Customization - The open-source model allows custom plugins, themes, mods that let both end-users and server administrators modify their Hubzilla sites.
- Resilient Communications - The federated structure means the loss of any one server will not impact others, providing redundancy against service outages.
- Interoperability - Support for protocols like OStatus and Zot enables decentralized interactions with users on other federated platforms like Mastodon or Friendica.
In summary, Hubzilla delivers an ethical, user-empowering alternative to mainstream centralized social networks for people focused on privacy, security and autonomy over their digital lives.
Hubzilla Features
Features
- Decentralized social networking
- User owns and controls their data
- Federated social interactions using OStatus and Zot
- Groups and channels
- Photo sharing
- Event management
- Blogging
Pricing
- Open Source
- Self-Hosted
Pros
No centralized service or control
Enhanced privacy and security
Open source and self-hosted
Customizable and extensible
Cons
Requires self-hosting which needs technical expertise
Smaller user base than mainstream platforms
Limited mobile app support
The Best Hubzilla Alternatives
Top Social & Communications and Decentralized Social Networking and other similar apps like Hubzilla
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