Federated social networks are platforms that allow users to connect and share content across different servers, or instances, rather than relying on a single central server. This decentralized approach enables users to maintain control over their data and privacy while still interacting with others on the network. Each instance can have its own rules and community guidelines, fostering diverse online environments. In a federated system, users can communicate with others on different instances using standard protocols, such as ActivityPub. Popular examples of federated social networks include Mastodon and Diaspora, which emphasize user autonomy and resist centralized control by large corporations.