this post was submitted on 08 Sep 2023
277 points (90.6% liked)

Privacy

29831 readers
634 users here now

A place to discuss privacy and freedom in the digital world.

Privacy has become a very important issue in modern society, with companies and governments constantly abusing their power, more and more people are waking up to the importance of digital privacy.

In this community everyone is welcome to post links and discuss topics related to privacy.

Some Rules

Related communities

Chat rooms

much thanks to @gary_host_laptop for the logo design :)

founded 4 years ago
MODERATORS
 

Btw, I found WireMin is kind of interesting.

It’s an dapp, actually a decentralized social network, but more than Nostr, that’s how they described themselves. https://www.alchemy.com/dapps/wiremin

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[–] [email protected] 0 points 10 months ago* (last edited 10 months ago)

For some clarification:

You first need to understand the meaning of "dapp": dapp stands for decentralized application.

"Decentralized" means there is no central server.

Central server: This is essentially a cloud storage that retains data. Major tech companies like Google, Twitter, and Facebook all have central servers where they store user data, such as chat histories, usernames, passwords, contact lists, and online activities. They might sell this data to advertisers. Platforms like Twitter might use it to train their AI models or refine algorithms to predict users' interests, thereby keeping users engaged with their platforms or apps. Moreover, a centralized platform can be likened to a paradise for hackers, as they only need to breach one server to obtain a wealth of sensitive data. (I assume everybody knows cloud is just another computer.)

On the other hand, "decentralized", as the term suggests, means there's no central server. Consequently:

  • Your data isn't stored on a central server (someone else's computer); you keep your own security.
  • No one can moderate or remove your content, ensuring free speech and avoiding censorship.
  • No entities, like Google for example, can access data such as your browsing history.
  • Your account is less susceptible to hacks since there isn't a singular server to target, unless of course, you share your password.

The reason a search for "dapp" often leads to results about cryptocurrencies is that networks like WireMin are decentralized. "Decentralized" in the current context often relates to web3. Today, when most people aim to learn about or enter the realm of web3, they're introduced to concepts like cryptocurrency and NFTs.

However, to me, web3 signifies more than just the crypto world; it embodies the decentralized (or democratic) concept. Big tech companies represent the web2 era since they operate in a centralized and often monopolistic manner, influencing our perceptions by controlling media content. Personally, I find this concerning, which is why I'm gradually transitioning to decentralized networks like WireMin and messaging platforms like SimpleX, while WireMin offers similar functionalities, Signal does not.

I think I explained myself clear, thank you. 🫠