Telegram isn't decentralized. It has multiple servers that handle the traffic - it's just not one data center in one country doing it all.
Telegram isn't decentralized. It has multiple servers that handle the traffic
FYI, that is the exact definition of "decentralized". This is part of the confusion people have. The term "decentralized" is thrown around, but the definition includes any service that has more than one node serving content.
"Fully distributed" is what most of us are envisioning when we hear the former term. A fully distributed system is one wherein every node is both the client and the server. (eg. p2p)
All major comms platforms have an SPF wherein all data is ultimately routed back through a central authority.
The platforms which do not suffer this issue are demonized, often made illegal by governments.
If you look at it like that, yes. It’s easier to use the former terms in that a central authority has control over all nodes. People understand that.
to use the former terms in that a central authority has control over all nodes
In my experience, most people consider "decentralized" to be fully-distributed. They do not see it as a client-server model. Most decentralized technologies pushed today are basically client-server, where the user-run servers are basically just middleware clients between the client and the main-server.
Though, it's a moot point considering majority of online users are completely ignorant of the infrastructure they're currently using--let alone alternative comm paradigms.
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