According to the author, the fediverse is not a place for sensitive or private information. Users should be cautious about what they post, as the lack of central enforcement or authority makes it difficult to ensure privacy across the network. Requests for post deletion may not be honored, and server owners in different jurisdictions might not adhere to data privacy rules. Instances could also not be immune to data scraping from big companies. Ultimately, the fediverse lacks the necessary privacy measures, making it a privacy nightmare.

What are your thoughts on this? Can the fediverse be constructed as a privacy stronghold for its users?

[–] [email protected] 12 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

I think it's weird to pin this on the lack of central authority given that all the evidence is that any service with a central authority has been deeply and woefully inappropriate with their security. Absolutely, you should always treat any service like this as though it's untrustworthy.

The logical flaw here is the implicit assumption that Reddit, or any other corporate social medium, is safe for privacy just because they're corporate. At least with Lemmy I can set up a server with my friends and know where my info is being stored and who has the keys.

[–] CarloDaTeti 1 points 1 year ago

You make a valid point about the risks associated with trusting central authorities, especially considering the history of security issues with some corporate social media platforms. I agree that the decentralized nature of the Fediverse can offer more control and transparency, allowing users to set up servers and know where their data is stored.

While the internet itself may not be inherently private, it's essential to recognize that users' expectations for privacy and security have evolved over time. People have become more aware of the potential risks and are rightly concerned about their data being mishandled.

Aspirations for greater privacy, security, and anonymity in the Fediverse are important I believe. By emphasizing these aspects and encouraging best practices, we can collectively work towards a safer and more privacy-respecting online environment. The absence of a central authority doesn't guarantee perfect security, but it does provide an opportunity to rethink data ownership and control.