Gemini, Gophers, and Fingers. Oh My Alternative Internets Beyond HTTPS
2 hours ago
- #decentralization
- #alternative-internet
- #terminal-browsing
- Alternative internets like Finger, Gopher, and Gemini offer decentralized, simple protocols that don't rely on HTTPS, contrasting with the dominant, corporate-controlled web.
- Finger (1971) provides opt-in presence via plain text .plan files, acting as early social profiles, and runs on TCP port 79 with minimal infrastructure.
- Gopher (1991) is a hierarchical menu system that competed with the World Wide Web; despite a licensing setback, it remains alive with hundreds of servers and millions of documents.
- Gemini (2019) mandates TLS encryption, uses a lightweight text format called Gemtext, and emphasizes privacy with no tracking, JavaScript, or cookies.
- These protocols are terminal-based, reducing hardware requirements and enabling use on older devices, promoting accessibility and sustainability.
- The small web aligns with solarpunk ideals, focusing on decentralized, community-driven technology that serves people rather than profit.
- Tools like Bombadillo, Offpunk, and Lagrange facilitate access to these alternative internets, while platforms like ttbp and Smol Pub support publishing across them.