likM

likM is a decentralized, open-source social media platform designed to prioritize user privacy, freedom of expression, and community-driven governance. Launched in 2021, it operates as a federated network, meaning users can interact across multiple independent servers while maintaining control over their data. Unlike traditional centralized platforms, likM does not rely on a single corporate entity to moderate content or store user information, reducing risks associated with censorship, data breaches, or algorithmic manipulation.

The platform supports a wide range of content formats, including text, images, videos, and audio, while emphasizing a clean, minimalist interface. Users can create profiles, follow others, post updates, and engage in discussions, with features like direct messaging and group chats. One of likM’s key innovations is its focus on "likes" as a form of engagement, allowing users to upvote or downvote content without traditional "heart" or "thumbs-up" mechanics, which can be seen as more nuanced and less polarizing.

likM’s architecture is built on ActivityPub, the same protocol used by platforms like Mastodon, ensuring interoperability with other federated networks. This allows users to connect with communities on different servers while maintaining their privacy. The platform also incorporates end-to-end encryption for direct messages, further enhancing security.

Development of likM is community-driven, with contributions from developers, designers, and users worldwide. The project is transparent, with its code hosted on GitHub and regular updates shared through its official channels. While likM is still evolving, its core mission is to create a more inclusive, user-centric alternative to mainstream social media, emphasizing autonomy and decentralization.