Freedom251 › Community Platforms
diaspora*
What diaspora* is
diaspora* is a free, open-source social network built around privacy and a distributed federation of connected servers. People can join through an existing public server without installing software, or use the project’s guides to host it on their own server. Users can choose who sees their posts, decide how much personal information to share, and select how they present themselves. diaspora* says user data is not used beyond connecting and sharing with others. The project supports web use, self-hosting, custom domains, moderation tools, and an API for applications. diaspora* HQ identifies itself as one participant in the wider federated network. The repository lists the AGPL-3.0 license and provides instructions for responsible vulnerability reporting. Support is directed through FAQs, community discussions, and support resources. Release notes state that XMPP chat integration was removed because it was unfinished and lacked a clear continuing purpose. The listed software plan costs nothing.
Who it suits
diaspora* suits people who want a privacy-aware social network with federated participation. It also fits users or communities willing to use a public server or host their own.
What it does well
- Free and open-source under AGPL-3.0
- Join through public servers without installation
- Self-hosting guides are provided
- Controls who can see shared content
- Supports custom domains and moderation tools
What to know first
- Self-hosting requires running your own server
- XMPP chat integration was removed
- Participation depends on connected servers
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| diaspora* software | Open-source software; use an existing public server or install it on your own server | Free |
As diasporafoundation.org lists them, read 12 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Verdict
diaspora* offers federated social networking with user-controlled sharing and open-source deployment. You can participate through an existing server or operate your own installation.
Facts from diaspora*'s own pages
- API
- The project’s release notes announce official support for building applications on top of the diaspora* API. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Audience controls
- The diaspora* HQ page says aspects let users choose who can see what they share. · pod.diaspora.software, 12 Oct 2026
- Chat integration
- The project’s release notes say the XMPP chat integration was removed because it was unfinished and lacked a clear continued purpose. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Custom domain
- Yes · github.com, 20 Sept 2026
- Data use
- The diaspora* HQ page says diaspora* does not use user data for purposes beyond connecting and sharing with others. · pod.diaspora.software, 12 Oct 2026
- Federated network
- diaspora* is described as a distributed social network, and diaspora* HQ identifies itself as part of its federated network. · pod.diaspora.software, 12 Oct 2026
- Hosted use
- Users can join the network through one of its connected servers without installing the software. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Identity
- The diaspora* HQ page says users can choose who they want to be and how much personal information to share. · pod.diaspora.software, 12 Oct 2026
- License
- The repository identifies the software license as AGPL-3.0. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Moderation tools
- Yes · github.com, 20 Sept 2026
- Product
- diaspora* describes itself as a privacy-aware, distributed, open-source social network. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Security reporting
- The project’s repository links to instructions for responsibly reporting a security vulnerability. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Self-hosting
- The project provides installation guides for people who want to run diaspora* on their own server. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Support
- The project directs users to FAQs and community discussions and support for questions. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
Where diaspora* stands on Freedom251
- Community Platforms#41 of 126