Hi all, I’m pretty new to the fediverse and have tried learning about the way it works. I have tried finding some information in vain, so I have ended up mostly reasoning about it by drawing parallels with other non federated systems but I feel it’s not accurate.

I am trying to understand three things:

  1. What information does the instance(s) have on their users?
  2. What information can users get on other users?
  3. What information can the infrastructure providers get on users of the fediverse?

To answer (1), I am guessing the admins of the instances have access to the typical metadata relating to the device from which a user accesses (IP address, device info, app/browser).

Regarding (2), it’s not as clear. As of yet, it seems it is only possible to look at posts and comments and creation date. It doesn’t seem possible to get a list of subscribed communities nor email address used for registration (when applicable).

Now I wonder if the instances do have all lists of subscribed communities? I’m guessing yes. What about private messages, are they end to end encrypted and inaccessible to the fediverse?

And finally, what access do the internet infrastructure providers have access to? All the same information as the instance admins/mods? More? Less?

Thank you for helping me weed through this new environment and learn about the fediverse.

Also, if you have some best practices on how to mindfully navigate in the fediverse with privacy in mind, please share, I would be grateful.

  • Saik0
    8•1 year ago
    1. Same thing ALL webpages can store on you. IP information and whatever information you directly furnish (username, password… etc.)
    2. Profile… and every post/message they send… that’s about it. If you consider the Admins as “other users”… then effectively everything. Mods are a bit less than admins.
    3. It’s send publicly but over https. So metadata/flow data. I would consider it MUCH less than admins.

    Here’s a category you didn’t think of. 4) What information can OTHER instances get on you. If you subscribe to them, or post to somewhere that is federated… Then all your post data. up/down votes. etc…

    Another thing to think of is WAF products like Cloudflare that does SSL interception.

    Ultimately, ActivityPub (the standard that lemmy operates on) is not “secure” and isn’t trying to be at all. “Secure” isn’t it’s purpose. Instances will broadcast all your comments, posts, votes, messages,profile information, etc to other instances.