# Secure Scuttlebutt

> distributed social network

**Wikidata**: [Q65487149](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q65487149)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secure_Scuttlebutt)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/secure-scuttlebutt

## Summary
Secure Scuttlebutt (SSB) is a decentralized social network protocol designed to enable peer-to-peer communication without relying on centralized servers. It prioritizes privacy and resilience by using cryptographic techniques and a distributed architecture, making it resistant to censorship and single points of failure. The project was initiated in 2014 and is open-source under the MIT License.

## Key Facts
- **Inception**: 2014
- **License**: MIT License
- **Operating Systems**: macOS, Linux, Microsoft Windows
- **Programming Language**: JavaScript (Node.js)
- **Latest Stable Version**: 13.5.0 (released 2018-12-23)
- **Website**: [scuttlebutt.nz](https://www.scuttlebutt.nz)
- **GitHub Repository**: [ssbc/ssb-server](https://github.com/ssbc/ssb-server)
- **Wikipedia Availability**: English, French, Russian
- **Instance Of**: Distributed social network, computer network protocol

## FAQs
### Q: What is Secure Scuttlebutt used for?
A: Secure Scuttlebutt is a decentralized social network protocol that allows users to communicate and share content without centralized servers, emphasizing privacy and resistance to censorship.

### Q: Is Secure Scuttlebutt free to use?
A: Yes, Secure Scuttlebutt is open-source and free to use, licensed under the MIT License, allowing for modification and distribution.

### Q: What operating systems does Secure Scuttlebutt support?
A: Secure Scuttlebutt supports macOS, Linux, and Microsoft Windows, making it accessible across major desktop platforms.

### Q: How does Secure Scuttlebutt ensure privacy?
A: Secure Scuttlebutt uses cryptographic techniques and a peer-to-peer architecture to ensure privacy, making it resistant to surveillance and censorship.

### Q: Where can I find the source code for Secure Scuttlebutt?
A: The source code for Secure Scuttlebutt is available on GitHub at [ssbc/ssb-server](https://github.com/ssbc/ssb-server).

## Why It Matters
Secure Scuttlebutt addresses the limitations of traditional social networks by eliminating centralized control, which can lead to censorship, data breaches, and surveillance. By operating on a peer-to-peer model, SSB ensures that users retain control over their data and communication, fostering a more resilient and privacy-focused online environment. Its decentralized nature also makes it more difficult to shut down, as there is no single point of failure. This approach aligns with broader movements toward digital autonomy and resistance to corporate and government overreach. Additionally, SSB’s open-source nature encourages community-driven development and adaptation, ensuring its longevity and relevance in an evolving digital landscape.

## Notable For
- **Decentralization**: Unlike centralized social networks, Secure Scuttlebutt operates without servers, distributing data across users’ devices.
- **Privacy-Focused**: Uses cryptographic techniques to protect user data and communications from surveillance.
- **Resilience**: Designed to withstand censorship and disruptions, as it lacks a single point of failure.
- **Open-Source**: Licensed under the MIT License, allowing for community contributions and modifications.
- **Cross-Platform**: Available on macOS, Linux, and Microsoft Windows, ensuring broad accessibility.

## Body
### Overview
Secure Scuttlebutt (SSB) is a decentralized social network protocol that enables peer-to-peer communication. It was initiated in 2014 and is licensed under the MIT License, making it open-source and free to use. The protocol is designed to prioritize privacy and resilience, using cryptographic techniques to protect user data and communications.

### Technical Details
- **Operating Systems**: SSB supports macOS, Linux, and Microsoft Windows, ensuring compatibility across major desktop platforms.
- **Programming Language**: The protocol is implemented in JavaScript, using Node.js for server-side operations.
- **Latest Version**: The most recent stable version is 13.5.0, released on December 23, 2018.
- **Source Code**: The source code is available on GitHub, including repositories for the server and protocol guide.

### Availability
- **Website**: The official website is [scuttlebutt.nz](https://www.scuttlebutt.nz), available in English.
- **Wikipedia**: Articles on Secure Scuttlebutt are available in English, French, and Russian.
- **GitHub**: The project is hosted on GitHub under the username [ssbc](https://github.com/ssbc).

### Significance
Secure Scuttlebutt addresses the limitations of centralized social networks by eliminating the need for servers, which can be subject to censorship and data breaches. Its decentralized architecture ensures that users retain control over their data and communications, fostering a more resilient and privacy-focused online environment. The open-source nature of the project encourages community-driven development and adaptation, ensuring its longevity and relevance.

## References

1. [Release 12.0.0. 2018](https://github.com/ssbc/ssb-server/releases/tag/12.0.0)
2. [Release 12.0.1. 2018](https://github.com/ssbc/ssb-server/releases/tag/12.0.1)
3. [Release 13.2.0. 2018](https://github.com/ssbc/ssb-server/releases/tag/13.2.0)
4. [Release 13.5.0. 2018](https://github.com/ssbc/ssb-server/releases/tag/v13.5.0)