# PubHubs

> planned social network

**Wikidata**: [Q111272672](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q111272672)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/pubhubs

## Summary
PubHubs is a planned social network that is both a distributed social network and free software. It was founded by José van Dijck and Bart Jacobs, a Dutch mathematician and computer scientist, and is associated with initiatives like PublicSpaces.

## Key Facts
- **Type**: Distributed social network and free software
- **Founded by**: José van Dijck and Bart Jacobs
- **Location**: iHub
- **Website**: [pubhubs.net](https://pubhubs.net/) (Dutch)
- **Related projects**: PublicSpaces
- **Funding**: Supported by the Spinoza Prize and Stevin Prize
- **Instance of**: Distributed social network, free software

## FAQs
### Q: What is PubHubs?
A: PubHubs is a planned social network that operates as a decentralized platform, allowing users to freely run, study, modify, and distribute its software. It was founded by José van Dijck and Bart Jacobs.

### Q: Who founded PubHubs?
A: PubHubs was founded by José van Dijck and Bart Jacobs, a Dutch mathematician and computer scientist.

### Q: Is PubHubs free software?
A: Yes, PubHubs is classified as free software, meaning users can freely run, study, modify, and distribute it.

### Q: What is the relationship between PubHubs and PublicSpaces?
A: PubHubs is associated with PublicSpaces, an initiative related to public spaces and digital infrastructure.

### Q: Where is PubHubs located?
A: PubHubs is based at iHub.

## Why It Matters
PubHubs represents a unique model of a social network that combines decentralized architecture with open-source principles. As a distributed social network, it avoids centralized control, which can enhance privacy and resilience. Its status as free software ensures transparency and community-driven development. Founded by José van Dijck and Bart Jacobs, PubHubs aligns with broader discussions on digital infrastructure and public spaces, contributing to the evolution of decentralized online platforms.

## Notable For
- **Decentralized design**: Unlike traditional social networks, PubHubs operates as a distributed system, reducing reliance on single providers.
- **Free software**: PubHubs adheres to open-source principles, allowing users to modify and redistribute the software freely.
- **Academic collaboration**: Founded by Bart Jacobs, a mathematician and computer scientist, PubHubs integrates academic expertise into its development.
- **PublicSpaces association**: PubHubs is linked to PublicSpaces, an initiative focused on public digital infrastructure and community engagement.

## Body
### Overview
PubHubs is a planned social network that operates as a distributed platform, emphasizing decentralization and open-source principles. It was founded by José van Dijck and Bart Jacobs, with support from initiatives like PublicSpaces.

### Development and Funding
PubHubs was developed with contributions from the Spinoza Prize and Stevin Prize, reflecting its academic and research-backed approach. The project is hosted at iHub, a location associated with innovation and digital infrastructure.

### Technical Features
As free software, PubHubs allows users to freely run, study, modify, and distribute its code. This open-source model fosters community-driven development and transparency.

### Distributed Architecture
Unlike centralized social networks, PubHubs is designed as a distributed system, reducing dependency on single providers. This decentralized approach enhances privacy and resilience.

### Academic and Research Context
Founded by Bart Jacobs, a Dutch mathematician and computer scientist, PubHubs integrates academic expertise into its development. This collaboration ensures a technically robust and theoretically sound platform.