Surf is possible thanks to an open-source ecosystem called the fediverse, also known as the open social web.

Unlike traditional social media, where a single company controls everything, the open social web connects independent services — like Mastodon, Bluesky, Flipboard, Threads and now Surf — while allowing each to maintain its own communities, features, and moderation policies.

This openness gives people more choice and control in how they connect online. Want to learn more? Here's a great explainer from The Verge.