Client

This week there’s not much to report on. Work continues on the Memory client app, 🤞🏾fingers crossed that there are no issues. The focus is still to produce native apps for Android and iOS.

Platform

Currently we are testing ways to make federation and other aspects more efficient. We are testing ActivityPub relays and now they can be used to improve the situation. Atproto and Nostr makes good use of relays so maybe there’s some innovative ideas to be had on that front.

That’s all for this week!

It’s been some time since my last update. We’ve just been dealing with some life issues that have impacted development. This isn’t ideal but we use three times as learning opportunities. We’ve been working closely with the development team of ActivityPods and attending weekly meetings with them. We feel it’s important to be on the same page and have open dialogue. ActivityPods 2.0 should be here soon!

#Memory# We have started working on the client this week. The goals are to have native clients for Android and iOS. This also includes their respective devices such as iPadOS, macOS, watchOS and visionOS. The clients will be compatible with the ActivityPub specs and mastoapi. This will allow access to various fedi platforms and users. We do intend to have web app but that is for later down the road. We plan to do a slow rollout to get user feedback by having a closed beta and then an open beta.

#Platform#

This will answer is taking more work and time. What we have decided to do is fork Mastopod and spin up a Mastodon instance. This will provide the team and users with an open simulation of what it will be like on Memory platform. As we are taking a different approach than what has been done on fedi we want to get this right and provide the best experience possible.

Features in the wild## Some of the features that we have planned are currently available on Fediverse client Sora. A couple such features are Transformer Language Model thread summarisation. This is helpful for context and assists instead of reading a really long thread or it may create an interest in diving into the thread. The other feature is P2P video calling which allows users using the Sora app to make encrypted video calls.

Updates##

Going forward we will start providing weekly updates Thursdays or Fridays

It’s been a while since we’ve posted. Just wanted to shared a little of what we’ve been focusing on. We have decided to build a Swift framework for ActivityPods that will be Open Source.

ActivityPods already helps make the development process easier. We figured we’d contribute to that by building and releasing native frameworks to benefit developers. We should be pushing that out for testing soon.

Update to ActivityPods released before the anticipated 2.0 in the Spring. Please check the link to the blogpost as it goes into detail. It primarily covers simplified invitation links and contact groups.

Q&A on Understanding Solid

Q1: What Exactly is Solid? A1: Solid (Social Linked Data) is a web decentralization project initiated by Sir Tim Berners-Lee. It's designed to give users full control over their personal data. Solid allows you to store your data in personal online spaces called "Pods" (Personal Online Datastores), which you can control access to.

Q2: How Does Solid Change My Experience on the Web? A2: Solid shifts the control of data from corporations to the individual user. Instead of your data being stored on servers owned by social media companies or service providers, it's stored in your Pod. You decide who gets to access and use your data, enhancing privacy and personal data sovereignty.

Q3: What are Solid Pods? A3: Pods are personal data storage spaces provided by Solid. You can think of a Pod as a secure personal database for all your data, including photos, messages, and documents. You can host your Pod on a Solid server of your choice, giving you the freedom to choose who manages your data.

Q4: Is Solid Difficult to Use for Non-Technical People? A4: Solid is designed to be user-friendly. While the concept of data ownership and Pods might be new, using Solid-based applications should be as straightforward as using any other web service. The goal is to make privacy and data control accessible to everyone.

Q5: How Does Solid Impact Data Privacy and Security? A5: Solid greatly enhances data privacy and security. Since you own your Pod, you have complete control over who accesses your data. This decentralized approach prevents the misuse of personal data and reduces the risk of data breaches from centralized servers.

Q6: Can I Use Solid to Interact Across Different Platforms? A6: Yes, Solid's design allows for interoperability across different platforms. By using your Pod, you can manage your identity and data across various services without the need to create separate accounts for each service.

Q7: How Can Developers Benefit from Solid? A7: Developers can use Solid to build applications that respect user privacy and data ownership. Solid's framework encourages the creation of decentralised apps, opening up new possibilities for innovative, user-centric web services.

Q8: Will My Data Be Portable Across Different Services? A8: Absolutely. One of the key benefits of Solid is data portability. You can move your data seamlessly between different Solid-compatible services, ensuring that you're not locked into any single platform.

Q9: How Can I Start Using Solid? A9: To start using Solid, you can sign up for a Pod from a Solid Pod provider. Once you have your Pod, you can start using it to store your data and access Solid-compatible applications and services.

Q10: What is the Future of Solid? A10: Solid represents a significant step towards a more decentralized and user-empowered web. Its adoption could lead to a shift in how personal data is managed online, with a focus on privacy, security, and user control.

Solid

Q&A on Understanding Solid

Q1: What Exactly is Solid?

A1: Solid (Social Linked Data) is a web decentralization project initiated by Sir Tim Berners-Lee. It's designed to give users full control over their personal data. Solid allows you to store your data in personal online spaces called "Pods" (Personal Online Datastores), which you can control access to.

Q2: How Does Solid Change My Experience on the Web?

A2: Solid shifts the control of data from corporations to the individual user. Instead of your data being stored on servers owned by social media companies or service providers, it's stored in your Pod. You decide who gets to access and use your data, enhancing privacy and personal data sovereignty.

Q3: What are Solid Pods?

A3: Pods are personal data storage spaces provided by Solid. You can think of a Pod as a secure personal database for all your data, including photos, messages, and documents. You can host your Pod on a Solid server of your choice, giving you the freedom to choose who manages your data.

Q4: Is Solid Difficult to Use for Non-Technical People?

A4: Solid is designed to be user-friendly. While the concept of data ownership and Pods might be new, using Solid-based applications should be as straightforward as using any other web service. The goal is to make privacy and data control accessible to everyone.

Q5: How Does Solid Impact Data Privacy and Security?

A5: Solid greatly enhances data privacy and security. Since you own your Pod, you have complete control over who accesses your data. This decentralized approach prevents the misuse of personal data and reduces the risk of data breaches from centralized servers.

Q6: Can I Use Solid to Interact Across Different Platforms?

A6: Yes, Solid's design allows for interoperability across different platforms. By using your Pod, you can manage your identity and data across various services without the need to create separate accounts for each service.

Q7: How Can Developers Benefit from Solid?

A7: Developers can use Solid to build applications that respect user privacy and data ownership. Solid's framework encourages the creation of decentralised apps, opening up new possibilities for innovative, user-centric web services.

Q8: Will My Data Be Portable Across Different Services?

A8: Absolutely. One of the key benefits of Solid is data portability. You can move your data seamlessly between different Solid-compatible services, ensuring that you're not locked into any single platform.

Q9: How Can I Start Using Solid?

A9: To start using Solid, you can sign up for a Pod from a Solid Pod provider. Once you have your Pod, you can start using it to store your data and access Solid-compatible applications and services.

Q10: What is the Future of Solid?

A10: Solid represents a significant step towards a more decentralized and user-empowered web. Its adoption could lead to a shift in how personal data is managed online, with a focus on privacy, security, and user control.

Solid

Q&A on ActivityPods and Its Integration with Memory for the Lemmy Community**

Q1: What is ActivityPods and How Does It Relate to Memory?

A1: ActivityPods is a framework that combines ActivityPub, a decentralised social networking protocol, with Solid Pods, personal online data stores. It allows for unified data management and control across various platforms. Memory, built upon ActivityPods, leverages this framework to offer users a more integrated, secure, and user-controlled experience.

Q2: I'm New to the Fediverse. How Does ActivityPods Enhance My Experience?

A2: For newcomers, ActivityPods offers a simplified yet powerful way to engage with the Fediverse. Instead of managing multiple accounts on different platforms (like Mastodon, Pixelfed), you have one centralised profile and data store (Pod). This means easier management of your digital identity and activities across various platforms.

Q3: I'm a Current Fedizen. Why Should I Consider Using Memory?

A3: As an existing Fediverse user, you'll appreciate the enhanced data control and portability that Memory offers. Your data is stored in your own Pod, giving you full control over it. Plus, you can interact with different Fediverse platforms using a single account, streamlining your social media experience.

Q4: For Fediverse Admins/Mods, What Are the Benefits of ActivityPods?

A4: Admins and moderators will find that ActivityPods simplifies user management and enhances security. Since users control their own data in Pods, there's less burden on the platform for data storage and protection. It also opens up new possibilities for cross-platform moderation and community engagement.

Q5: As a Fediverse Developer, How Can I Utilise ActivityPods in My Projects?

A5: Developers can harness ActivityPods to create more user-centric and interoperable applications. It supports semantic web standards for data, ensuring compatibility across different platforms. This means you can develop apps that seamlessly integrate with various parts of the Fediverse, enhancing the overall ecosystem.

Q6: Will My Username and Identity Be Consistent Across Platforms with ActivityPods?

A6: Yes, ActivityPods aims to provide a consistent username and identity across different platforms. While the specifics can vary based on implementation, the general idea is to have a unified digital presence in the Fediverse, making your interactions more cohesive.

Q7: How Does ActivityPods Ensure My Data Privacy and Security?

A7: Your data is stored in Solid Pods, which you have full control over. You can set permissions for who accesses your data and how it's used. This decentralised approach to data storage means enhanced privacy and security, as your information isn't held in a central server controlled by a single entity.

Q8: Can I Move My Existing Fediverse Data to Memory?

A8: The portability feature of ActivityPods should, in theory, allow you to move your existing data to Memory. However, this process might depend on the specific platforms you're currently using and their compatibility with ActivityPods.

Q9: Is Memory with ActivityPods Suitable for Non-Technical Users?

A9: Absolutely! One of the goals of Memory built on ActivityPods is to make decentralised social networking accessible and user-friendly. Even if you're not technically inclined, you can enjoy a streamlined and secure social media experience.

Q10: How Can I Get Started with Memory and ActivityPods?

A10: Getting started is as simple as signing up for a Memory account. From there, you'll be guided through setting up your Pod and connecting with various platforms in the Fediverse. The process is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly.

ActivityPods Repo

Memory Credo:

Our Vision

At Memory, we envision a digital world where every individual has the freedom to express, connect, and control their digital footprint. Our platform, rooted in the innovative ActivityPods framework, champions the principles of decentralisation, personal data sovereignty, and community-driven social networking.

Core Commitments

1. Empowering User Autonomy: Memory is committed to ensuring users have complete control over their data. Our integration with ActivityPods empowers users to choose where their data is stored and manage who has access to it.

2. Fostering Open Communication: We believe in the power of open dialogue and diverse perspectives. Memory encourages free expression while maintaining a respectful and inclusive environment.

3. Promoting Decentralisation: In line with the ethos of the Fediverse, Memory supports a decentralised approach to social networking, offering an alternative to centralised platforms.

4. Ensuring Privacy and Security: Privacy is not a luxury but a right. Memory is dedicated to providing robust security measures to protect user data and privacy.

5. Supporting Interoperability: Embracing the ActivityPods framework, Memory ensures seamless interaction with various applications and services within the Fediverse, enhancing user experience through interoperability.

6. Encouraging Innovation: We are committed to continuous improvement and innovation, encouraging community contributions and feedback to evolve the platform.

7. Sustaining Ethical Practices: Memory adheres to ethical standards in all operations, respecting user rights and promoting digital well-being.

8. Advancing Global Connectivity: Our platform aims to connect users across the globe, transcending geographical and cultural barriers to foster a truly global community.

Implementation and Enforcement

Community Guidelines: Memory will establish clear community guidelines to ensure a safe and respectful environment for all users.

Moderation and Governance: We will implement effective moderation strategies, empowering users and designated moderators to uphold our community standards.

Transparency and Accountability: Memory will maintain transparency in its operations and decisions, holding ourselves accountable to our community.

Responsive Support: We are committed to providing timely and helpful support to address user concerns and feedback.

Joining Memory

Server Owners: To join Memory as a server owner, you must commit to upholding this credo and actively contribute to a safe, inclusive, and respectful Fediverse.

Developers and Contributors: We welcome developers and contributors who share our vision and values to join us in enhancing Memory's capabilities and reach.

Our Pledge Memory pledges to be more than just a platform; it's a movement towards a more equitable, user-centric, and connected digital world. Together, we can redefine the landscape of social networking, one memory at a time.

In our continuous effort to innovate and empower users, Memory is utilising a Composable Moderation system. Drawing inspiration from various models, including insights from Bluesky, we've tailored our approach to fit the unique needs and ethos of the Fediverse community. One of the reasons outside of scale we believe Big Social often fails at moderation is due to attempting to moderate a global community in a broad manner. People come from different cultures with different views and laws on societal topics, it is a mistake to treat everything and everyone the same. We want to respect individual needs as they know what they want & need better than we would.

What Sets Memory's Composable Moderation Apart?

Unlike Bluesky's model, which envisages multiple services for moderation, Memory's approach is streamlined yet powerful, focusing on user autonomy and community collaboration.

Collaborative Block and Mute Lists: At the heart of Memory's Composable Moderation are the Block and Mute lists. These aren't just personal tools; they're collaborative. You can create, share, and follow lists, making it easier to manage your online environment collectively. Think of it of similarly to making a music playlist on a streaming platform. Also, these lists can be dynamic.

Privacy and Transparency Balanced: Lists are semi-private by default. You'll see the name and creator of a list, but the details remain confidential unless you request access. This system respects privacy while fostering a transparent community spirit.

Content Labelling System: Beyond blocking illegal content at the platform level, Memory empowers you to interact with content on your terms. Our labelling system allows users to respond to various content types according to their comfort levels.

Empowering User Discretion: You're not just a passive recipient of content labels. On Memory, you have the power to self-label your posts, contributing to a more respectful and conscientious community.

Why Composable Moderation?

In a digital world where user experience often feels out of control, Memory is putting the power back in your hands. Our Composable Moderation system is designed to:

Enhance your sense of safety and comfort on the platform. Foster a community-driven approach to content management. Provide flexible tools that respect individual preferences and needs. Join Us in Shaping a Safer, More Collaborative Online Community

As Memory evolves, so will our moderation tools. We're committed to refining and expanding these capabilities, always with your experience and feedback at the forefront.

Composable Curation

What is Composable Curation?

Composable Curation is all about flexibility and personalisation in how you experience content. It's a modular approach that allows you to tailor your feed, discover new interests, and engage with the Memory community in ways that resonate with you.

Features of Composable Curation on Memory:

Collaborative Content lists: Imagine creating shared content lists with fellow users, themed around your mutual interests or trending topics. It's like making a playlist, but for microblogs! This not only fosters community collaboration but also opens doors to a world of diverse, quality content.

Context-Aware Modules: Your feed now understands your context! Whether it's a current event, or a trending topic, Memory will recommend content that's relevant to what's happening around you or in the world.

Custom feeds- You will have the ability to make various feeds that suit your interests. Let's say you wanted to create a "FIFA" feed. You'd create the feed, add an image if you wanted, add users and tags. The cool thing is that you can filter the posts to show FIFA related tagged posts

Why Composable Curation Matters?

In the ever-evolving landscape of social media, we believe in empowering users. Composable Curation on Memory does just that. It puts you in the driver's seat of your content journey, ensuring that what you read, share, and engage with, truly aligns with your interests, context, and emotional state. Big Social has mostly force fed users content that they don't really care about all to get views and engagement.

Privacy and Ethical Considerations:

We're committed to your privacy and data security. All these exciting features are designed with the utmost respect for your personal information and ethical guidelines, most of our features are opt-in

"AI" What are your thoughts on "AI" "AI" has become a polarising subject matter. There are those that loathe it and wish to see it banished from this world to those making a pseudo-religion. There are tons of information out there including disinformation & misinformation and crap opinions. We are not happy with some of the negative impacts it can and will have on the creative community, although there is not even a consensus amongst the community as some creators are using AI to assist in their process Another issue is like with all advancements marginalised communities tend to get the short end of the stick and can often be harmed Facial rec Ultimately, we recognise "AI" as a tool that can have good benefits if the right people are using it for a good purpose, see AI benefitting medical field Memory will utilise the abilities of LLMs and Transformer Language Models. In full transparency our work will be Open Source for anyone to inspect, we are also using Open Source Language Models HF What will Memory use Language Models for? Good question. We will be using the MT5 Transformer model for translation. It is a model specifically built for handling multiple languages and we have trained it on Open Source translation data via native speakers of the covered languages. This was important to us as locals understand the true everyday uses of the language and we wanted it to be as authentic as possible without the model looking to over infer. We are using the T5 Transformer model.. We will share the uses in due time as to not spoil features. Another model put to use is BLOOM LLM. This Large Language Model is used for our moderation tooling which will be discussed in detail in a separate post.

Welcome to Memory: Next-gen Social Experience

🌐 About Memory: Memory is a cutting-edge macroblogging and microblogging platform, ingeniously built on the ActivityPods framework. By integrating the best of ActivityPub and Solid, Memory redefines social media interaction, prioritising user autonomy and data ownership.

🔐 Your Data, Your Rules: At the heart of Memory is the commitment to user empowerment. Each member manages their data within personal data pods, ensuring unparalleled control and privacy. Say goodbye to the constraints of traditional social platforms; with Memory, your digital footprint remains exclusively yours.

🌌 Seamless Fediverse Integration: Experience the Fediverse like never before. Memory eliminates the need for multiple accounts across various platforms. Our seamless migration process and instance-independent architecture mean you're not just joining a platform; you're embracing a vast, interconnected social universe.

🚀 Features Tailored for You:

Intuitive Recommendation Engine: Jumpstart your journey with personalised content and connection suggestions. Enhanced Communication: Secure your conversations with DM/Group messaging, powered by the Signal Protocol for end-to-end encryption. Semantic Search Engine: Discover content that resonates, thanks to our intelligent search capabilities. Dynamic Social Groups: Engage in communities with Discord/Facebook-style groups. Customisable Feeds & Stories: Curate your social landscape with custom feeds and immersive stories. Advanced Content Curation: Enjoy a user-driven experience, from streamlined interfaces to in-depth engagement. The beauty is that most of these features are opt-in as we believe in users having the ability to drive the social experiences that they want!

🌟 A Platform for Everyone: Whether you seek simplicity with a sleek UI or a rich, curated social experience, Memory adapts to your preferences and encourages users to determine their level of engagement, customisation and personalisation. Dive into detailed discussions with summarised threads, explore a discover page tailored just for you, and much more. The beauty of the Fediverse is that we don't have to force a generic experience for all users and any personalisation doesn't come at the cost of ad dollars, clickbait nor the outrage machine. Users are free to have the experiences they desire and Memory wants to assist in making that people for various kinds of users!

🔍 Join the Memory Community: We're excited to unveil a plethora of innovative features waiting for you to explore. Memory isn't just a platform; it's a movement towards a more personalised, secure, and user-respecting social media landscape.

🔗 Connect, Share, and Grow with Memory: Become part of a community that values your experience and freedom. Join us on Memory, where your social world evolves with you.