Frequently Asked Questions

Nostr (Notes and Other Stuff Transmitted by Relays) is a simple, open protocol that enables global, decentralized, and censorship-resistant social media. Unlike traditional platforms, Nostr doesn't rely on a central server - instead, it uses a network of relays that anyone can run.

Unlike Twitter/X which is centrally controlled, or Mastodon which is federated but can still ban servers, Nostr is truly decentralized. Your identity is a cryptographic key pair that you control, and you can publish to multiple relays. No single entity can ban you or censor your content across the entire network.

No, Nostr itself is free and open source. Most Nostr clients and relays are also free to use. However, some premium relays may charge a small fee for enhanced features or spam protection, and some clients may offer optional premium features.

Nostr provides pseudonymity by default. Your identity is tied to a cryptographic key pair rather than personal information. However, you can choose to verify your identity using NIP-05 (Nostr address verification). Your posts are public unless encrypted (NIP-04 for direct messages).

Getting started is simple: 1) Choose a Nostr client (like Damus for iOS, Amethyst for Android, or Primal for web), 2) The client will generate a key pair for you, 3) Save your private key securely (you can't recover it if lost!), 4) Start following people and posting content.

A relay is a server that stores and distributes Nostr events (posts, reactions, etc.). When you publish content, it goes to relays you're connected to. When you want to see content, your client fetches it from relays. You can connect to multiple relays for redundancy.

Individual relays can choose to delete content, but since your content is typically stored on multiple relays, complete deletion is difficult. You can request deletion (NIP-09), but there's no guarantee all relays will comply. This is part of Nostr's censorship-resistant design.

NIPs (Nostr Implementation Possibilities) are the technical standards and specifications that define how Nostr works. They describe different features and capabilities, from basic event formatting (NIP-01) to advanced features like Lightning payments (NIP-57). Think of them as the building blocks of the protocol.

Nostr uses public-key cryptography to verify identity and sign messages, making impersonation extremely difficult. However, your security depends on keeping your private key safe. Use a dedicated Nostr key, not keys from other applications. Consider using key management tools or browser extensions for better security.

Yes! Nostr works globally, including in the UK. Given concerns about the Online Safety Act and online censorship, many UK users are exploring Nostr as a censorship-resistant alternative. The protocol's decentralized nature makes it resistant to regional restrictions.

Your 'account' is your private key (nsec). Save this securely - write it down, store it in a password manager, or use multiple backup methods. Without your private key, you lose access permanently. Your public key (npub) identifies you but can't be used to post - think of it like a username.

Absolutely! Businesses can use Nostr for censorship-resistant announcements, customer engagement, and building communities. The protocol supports verification (NIP-05), payment integration (Lightning via NIP-57), and long-form content (NIP-23). Several businesses and creators already use Nostr professionally.