FriendNet – self-hostable, open source file sharing for friends
FriendNet is a self-hostable, open source file-sharing platform designed for sharing files privately among friends. It emphasizes user control over data and requires no central server dependency, offering a secure and simple way to exchange files within trusted circles.
Background
- FriendNet is a self-hostable, open source file-sharing tool designed specifically for small groups of friends or family, not the general public or large teams.
- It emphasizes simplicity and privacy: users run the software on their own server (self-hosted), so no third party holds their data.
- The tool stands out from mainstream options (like Google Drive, Dropbox, WeTransfer) by focusing on direct, trusted sharing among known contacts rather than on features like collaboration, public links, or cloud storage at scale.
- For readers tracking the self-hosting and digital sovereignty movement, FriendNet fills a niche between overly complex self-hosted suites (like Nextcloud) and privacy-focused but public-facing services.