We heard you. #HolosDiscover has been shut down, all indexed data deleted, and the source code removed. We apologize for the misunderstanding. Our approach was built with the deepest respect for user consent, but we understand it could rightfully be seen as misusing the indexable flag that many users didn't consciously enable. This highlighted a real conversation the Fediverse needs about default settings. Thank you for the feedback.
holosdiscover
Some of you noticed that @HolosDiscover is following you. It's a Fediverse search engine we built to solve a problem: when you start your own server with #Holos, your index is empty. #HolosDiscover provides a ready-to-use content catalog for everyone.
Only public posts from consenting users are indexed. Deletions and edits are reflected in real-time through ActivityPub activities.
How it works: https://discover.holos.social/how-it-works
Open-source (AGPL-3.0): https://codeberg.org/tom79/Holos-Discover
After shutting down #HolosDiscover, we're rethinking the approach with #HolosIndex: users explicitly opt in by adding #HolosIndex to their bio with interest tags, then submit their profile. No assumptions, no default settings.
This will power interest-based discovery across the #Fediverse, helping people find each other through shared interests. Still all through #ActivityPub of course, with real-time deletions and updates.
With #HolosDiscover we checked multiple criteria before indexing: "indexable" enabled, account not locked, no #nobot or #noindex in bio, not in opted-out list, only public posts. Every deletion, edit or block was processed instantly via #ActivityPub.
Google uses that same "indexable" flag but ignores everything else, keeps deleted content cached for weeks.
We shut it down after pushback. Was that the right call? Don't hesitate to share, this concerns the whole Fediverse.
Options: (choose one)
RE: https://toot.fedilab.app/@apps/116065080142081016
The results are in: the community wants #HolosDiscover back. So we'll be bringing it back.
Source code will be reopened and the service restored from a clean slate as all data was deleted when we shut it down.
We've also heard the concerns and will work on making the opt-out process even more visible.
#HolosDiscover is back, from a clean slate.
A #Fediverse search engine that uses standard #ActivityPub federation. It follows you like any account, respects indexable flags, #nobot, #noindex, locked accounts. Deletions, edits, blocks are processed instantly through ActivityPub.
You have full control. Block it, mention it with "unfollow", or disable indexing in your settings.
Source code under AGPL-3.0 on #Codeberg.
Details: https://discover.holos.social/how-it-works
Account: @HolosDiscover
RE: https://toot.fedilab.app/@apps/116121279230852696
#HolosDiscover was built to solve a concrete problem: when you join #HolosSocial, your mobile server is empty. No posts, no accounts to find. The API provides search and trending content as a fallback for servers with no indexation yet.
We built a web UI at https://discover.holos.social using the same data, so anyone can see what's indexed without being a developer. Any Fediverse app or instance can also access it through the API.
#Holos 1.0.0-rc-3 has been published. This release now integrates #HolosDiscover for searches and to display trending. You can also block domains and sync remote blocking lists of domains. You can also import your list of blocked accounts. Account deletion is now possible through the app.
More about this release: https://codeberg.org/tom79/Holos-App/releases/tag/1.0.0-rc-3
Download: https://framadrive.org/s/b68BB42Rf5ogW8o
Today we made some changes to #HolosDiscover. Trending posts are now evaluated over 24h to give more visibility to fresh content. We'll also be working on trending links.
Everything is available through an API. The web version makes it accessible to anyone without technical knowledge.
Website: https://discover.holos.social/
About the project : https://discover.holos.social/how-it-works