Privacy-Focused Social Platforms

Social Networking Apps Optional

Switch to decentralized or privacy-oriented social networks to avoid surveillance by mainstream platforms. These platforms prioritize user privacy, making it harder for authorities to monitor your social connections and activities.

Recommended Solutions

BlueSky

Service

Bluesky is a decentralized microblogging social networking service primarily operated by Bluesky Social, PBC.

Difficulty: very_easy
Learning Curve: easy
Setup Time: 5 minutes
Cost: Free

Supported Platforms:

Android iOS Browser

Strengths:

  • Decentralized architecture built on the Authenticated Transfer (AT) Protocol gives users greater control over their data.
  • User-centric algorithmic control for personalized content feeds.
  • Open-Source development.

Limitations:

  • No support for direct messaging.
  • No support for video uploads.
  • No support for and gif uploads.
  • Content moderation issues.

Mastodon

Service

Decentralized Twitter alternative.

Difficulty: medium
Learning Curve: hard
Setup Time: 30 minutes
Cost: Free

Supported Platforms:

Android iOS Browser

Strengths:

  • Decentralized, open-source.

Limitations:

  • Smaller user base.

MeWe

Service

Social media platform with no ads or tracking.

Difficulty: easy
Learning Curve: easy
Setup Time: 30 minutes
Cost: Free

Supported Platforms:

Android iOS Browser

Strengths:

  • No ads, privacy-focused.

Limitations:

  • Paid features.

Diaspora

Service

Decentralized social network.

Difficulty: medium
Learning Curve: hard
Setup Time: 1 hours
Cost: Free

Supported Platforms:

Linux

Strengths:

  • Open-source, decentralized.

Limitations:

  • Less user-friendly.

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