The Distributed Social Networking Protocol (DSNP) is an open-source protocol designed to enable decentralized social networking by allowing interoperability between different platforms. It provides users with control over their data, enhance privacy and security, decentralization of information, and promotes cross-platform interaction.

Decentralization allows users to retain ownership of their information and move it between platforms. ^[1] Decentralization supports data security by minimizing single points of failure or honey pots of data hosted within a single or centralized server.

DSNP allows individuals to connect across various platforms and tools without needing to create and manage separate accounts, removing the division of users across isolated platform ecosystems.

It provides a framework for open digital interactions, enabling users to maintain a consistent social identity across multiple applications.

The DSNP increases users' data privacy and security through detailed management of their personal information. Operating on an application-agnostic model similar to SMTP for email, DSNP promotes the development of interoperable applications. Through encryption and permission-based access systems, DSNP enables users to determine who can view and interact with their data, supporting their ability to manage their digital presence.

Bluesky and Mastodon (which operate using the AT Protocol and ActivityPub standards, respectively) are examples of platforms associated with a movement toward DSNP usage. Such systems offer users greater control over their digital social experiences and present alternatives to the traditional centralized social media model.^[2]

• Distributed social network
• ActivityPub
• Bluesky
• IP address
• Mastodon

• DSNP: Distributed Social Networking Protocol Archived 2020-02-29 at the Wayback Machine
• Mailing list archive
• GitHub repository