Is a new social sovereignty emerging? Nostr is a new alternative to current social networks and resistant to censorship
WHAT IS NOSTR?
Nostr stands for “Notes and Other Stuff Transmitted by Relays.” As its creator defines, Nostr is a simple, open protocol designed to create a global, censorship-resistant social network.
For those less familiar with the topic, you might wonder: what is a protocol? Think of a protocol as a set of rules or standards that define how something should be done. In the context of networks and technology, a protocol specifies message formats, the order in which messages are sent and received, and the actions to be taken in response to those messages.
HOW IT STARTED
The protocol was originally proposed in 2019 by Fiatjaf, a Brazilian developer who prefers to remain anonymous. Not much is known about him, but he appears to be a fan of the Brazilian philosopher Olavo de Carvalho and supports a relatively unknown Brazilian soccer team called Caxias. Nostr started gaining popularity in early 2022, drawing attention from notable figures like Jack Dorsey and Edward Snowden.
CLIENTS and RELAYS
Nostr’s decentralization relies on two essential components: relays and clients. Relays, essentially servers, store notes on the network. They don’t alter the content; they simply store and distribute it. Clients are community-built applications that allow users to post messages. What makes this interesting is that if you don’t like one client, you can switch to another. It’s like deciding to stop using Instagram and moving to “X” (formerly Twitter) while still being able to access your Instagram posts.
A Nostr client connects to a variety of relays, all of which “speak the same language” as the client. This setup allows the client to publish your notes to all the relays and also download notes from other users. When you post something, the client signs it with your private key and transmits it to the relays. To read messages from others, the client requests updates from different relays.
This is a representation of how a social network works today. All the data is centralized under a single owner. One single company.
This is a representation of how Nostr works. Clients connect to multiple relays. As a user, you have the option to choose which relays you want to connect to, and if one relay stops working, your posts will still be saved on other relays. Moreover, if you don’t like the community relays, nothing prevents you from setting up your own private relay.
NIPs
NIPs, or Nostr Implementation Possibilities, are specifications that outline how new functionalities can be implemented within the protocol. Essentially, NIPs are manuals for developers on how to correctly utilize the protocol.
Examples include:
NIP-01: Defines the basic message format.
NIP-05: Enables more user-friendly username associations, such as alice@example.com
PUBLIC AND PRIVATE KEYS
To use Nostr, every user needs a pair of asymmetric keys: a public key and a private key. Most Nostr clients automatically generate these keys when you create a new account.
Public Key: This is what you share with others so they can find you on the network.
Private Key: Identifies you and signs your messages. Never share it with anyone and store it securely.
Think of the public key as your username, which you share freely. The private key is like a password for your account, but with one crucial difference: if you lose your private key, you lose your Nostr account.
Repeating for clarity: if you lose your private key, you will lose access to your Nostr account. If someone else gains access to your private key, they will take control of your account.
Make sure to store your private key in a secure location, such as a password manager. Suggested options include 1Password or Bitwarden, but feel free to choose another that suits your preferences. The important thing is to keep your private key safe.
HOW TO START USING
- Choose a Client
Access the protocol through a Nostr client. Here are some options:
- Iris.to (web)
- Damus (iOS)
- Amethyst (Android)
- Gossip (desktop)
- Primal (web, Android, iOS)
- Create or Log into an Account
If you already have an account, simply log in with your private key. To create an account, most clients will generate your public and private keys automatically. Remember to store your private key securely, such as in a Password Manager like 1Password or Bitwarden.
- Select Relays and Find Friends
Search for friends and connect with them. Choose relays to connect to; most clients offer options to select relays based on your preferences.
ZAPS
One exciting feature of Nostr is the ability to monetize your content through Zaps.
Zaps are essentially tips sent via the Lightning Network at lightning speed with minimal transaction fees. These tips are sent in satoshis, small fractions of Bitcoin. Since the implementation of NIP-57, Zaps have become the primary method of transferring value on Nostr.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Can Nostr be used to build applications other than social networks?
A: Yes! There are apps for streaming, marketplaces, file sharing, freelancing, chats, and even podcasts. Through this site you can see many applications built on top of the Nostr protocol.
My public key is a very long “code.” Can I shorten it?
A: NIP-05 allows you to associate a username with your public key. For example, if you have a server that supports NIP-05, you might have something like your_name@your_server.com, which can be used to identify you, and this username may be easier to remember and share than the public key itself.
How is Nostr censorship-resistant if a relay I use suddenly stops working?
A: It’s true that if the relay goes offline, your notes disappear, but you can select and post your notes to multiple relays at the same time, as many as you want, and you can switch at any time. In fact, you can build your own relay and leave it at home as a backup for your notes.
Can I switch between clients?
A: Yes! Just provide your private key to the new client, and your notes will reappear.
Can I monetize content on Nostr like on other platforms?
A: Yes, you can monetize content, but it works differently. You can earn small fractions of Bitcoin from the community through your posts. The money is transmitted via the Bitcoin Lightning Network, and these transactions are called Zaps. Another way to earn money on Nostr is through private relays. You can create relays for specific niches (anime, soccer, politics, finance, etc.) and charge others for access.
Are there many relays? Why are most relays public and free? What do their owners gain in return?
A: Yes, there are enough relays, and the number is expected to grow as the platform attracts more users and large companies. However, many relays experience issues, go offline, or simply disappear—likely due to a lack of financial incentives.
Given that most relays are unpaid and users don’t subscribe to them, it becomes clear: you are the product. Relays have certain characteristics you might not be aware of: The client connects to the relay and requests certain messages. The way the protocol is designed allows clients to receive messages, but the relay can manipulate the order of those messages. For instance, if a relay is paid to promote a product, it can prioritize messages praising the product over those criticizing it, applying a delay (e.g., 10 seconds) or basing it on the number of likes. This means there is potential for relays to manipulate information. If you are using a relay that isn’t transparent, especially if it’s free, there is a chance such processes are happening without your knowledge.
So Nostr is not an app you download; it’s an open protocol. It’s a set of rules allowing you to build decentralized applications, giving users more control over their data and interactions.