Social Graph Ownership

Definition ∞ Social graph ownership refers to the concept where individuals maintain direct control and possession of their social connections and interaction data. Instead of platforms owning this data, users retain sovereignty over their network of relationships. In the context of Web3 and decentralized social media, this means a user’s social graph resides on a blockchain or a similar decentralized ledger, allowing them to port their connections across different applications. This model aims to empower users and reduce platform lock-in.
Context ∞ The state of social graph ownership is a central theme in the development of decentralized social media platforms, challenging traditional centralized models. A key discussion involves building interoperable protocols that allow users to seamlessly transfer their social data between various applications. Future developments include the widespread adoption of decentralized identity standards, the creation of user-controlled data marketplaces, and the emergence of new social applications that leverage user-owned social graphs for personalized experiences.