Self-hosted refers to running software or services on hardware you own and control, rather than relying on cloud providers or third-party companies. A self-hosted service lives on your server, your network, and your terms.
Why It Matters for Digital Independence
Self-hosting is the cornerstone of digital independence. When you self-host, you own your data physically, legally, and operationally. You decide who accesses it, when backups happen, and when the service stays online. There's no company changing terms of service, selling your data to advertisers, or suddenly shutting down. You're not a product - you're the owner.
Example
Instead of storing photos on Google Photos (where Google can analyze and monetize your data), you run Immich on a server at home. Your photos never leave your control. You decide on backup schedules, retention policies, and who can access them.
Related Terms
- Homelab - the infrastructure that hosts self-hosted services
- Data Ownership - legal/practical control of your information
- Docker - technology that simplifies self-hosted deployment
- Immich - a self-hosted Google Photos alternative