Best Free and Open Source Social Networking Software

diaspora – privacy-aware, distributed, open source social network

diaspora is a privacy-aware, distributed, open source social network.

The social network is not owned by any one person or entity, keeping it from being subject to corporate take-overs or advertising.

diaspora is free and open source software.

Features include:

  • Decentralization – exists on independently run servers (“pods”) all over the world. You choose which pod to register with, and you can then connect seamlessly with the diaspora community worldwide.
  • Freedom – you don’t have to use your real identity. You can interact with people in whatever way you choose.
  • Privacy – you own your data. You don’t sign over rights to a corporation or other interest who could use it. In addition, you choose who sees what you share, using Aspects. Organize your contacts according to their role in your life. This means you can share something just with family members or work colleagues, knowing that no one you don’t want to will be able to see what you post.
  • Hashtags – label and follow your interests with ease.
  • Social network integration.

Website: diasporafoundation.org
Support: Documentation, FAQ, GitHub Code Repository
Developer: Dan Grippi, Maxwell Salzberg, Raphael Sofaer, Ilya Zhitomirskiy
License: GNU Affero General Public License v3.0

diaspora is written in Ruby on Rails, a web framework for the Ruby programming language.

diaspora is written in Ruby and JavaScript. Learn Ruby with our recommended free books and free tutorials. Learn JavaScript with our recommended free books and free tutorials.

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