| There are aspects of federation that are stricter than the web. It isn't that you are wrong as there is some overlap but here are a few properties that federation assures, that the web doesn't. The web is decentralized. What's served on the web isn't necessarily decentralized. - Server Decentralization: Federated systems use a decentralized network (www), and are themselves decentralized, meaning the servers that forms the federated network are decentralized, there is no single central authority controlling the network. multiple servers run by different individuals or organizations communicate with each other to share content and data, via: - Interoperability: different platforms can communicate and share data seamlessly, and also enables easier: - Privacy and Control as users are given alternative servers, which may operate very different policies, or can run their own if policies from this or that server don't fit their liking, compared to centralized platforms. all ultimately run on the same web but since users can choose which server to join or even host their own, they have more autonomy over their online presence and data. Analogy with selling buckets of paint: - Centralization of that service is a one stop shop re-selling exclusive delux white and blue paints. - Federation of that service is multiple shops, selling white and blue paints. By a maker not moved about the idea of shops selling to each others, not interested in making it exclusive and letting any shops offering other colors. - the web is all the streets |