Open Source
GNU social is released under the GNU General Public License, which means it is free to use, modify, and distribute. This supports transparency and community-driven development.
Decentralized
The platform supports decentralized networking, allowing users to host their own nodes and avoid the monopolistic control of a single entity.
Privacy-focused
Users have greater control over their data compared to centralized social networks, as they can choose a trusted provider or even host their own instance.
Federated
It supports federation with other social platforms using the OStatus protocol, allowing for cross-platform interaction and a larger community.
Customizable
The platform is highly customizable, providing various plugins and themes that enable users to tailor their experience.