SocM

SocM is an open-source, decentralized social networking platform and protocol designed to give users ownership of their data and to enable interoperable social applications. It provides a modular core that can be extended with plug-ins for identity, messaging, feed ranking, moderation, and data export, allowing independent servers and client apps to communicate across a shared network.

The architecture centers on a federation model in which instances run by different operators exchange standardized messages and data. Core components include user identities, profile data, posts, media, relationships (follows, blocks), and a portable data format that enables users to migrate across servers. Privacy-preserving features include optional end-to-end encrypted direct messages and configurable visibility controls for posts. The protocol aims to be compatible with existing federated standards to facilitate interoperability, while offering a SocM-specific extension layer for app-specific features.

SocM is developed by a global community and released under an open-source license. Governance combines community contributions with a lightweight governance body that approves major changes and maintains the roadmap. The project emphasizes user data portability, developer-friendly APIs, and transparent moderation policies.

In the ecosystem, multiple servers host independent communities, and a growing set of client apps provide web, mobile, and desktop experiences. Typical use cases include microblogging, media sharing, and private messaging, all while preserving data ownership. Reception is mixed: supporters highlight resilience, user control, and interoperability; critics point to fragmentation risks, moderation challenges, and the learning curve for new users.