ELFA

Encrypted Local-First Architecture (ELFA) is a free and open source software, an alternative collaborative and decentralized digital platform for private workspaces and a secure social network, in the form of an integrated suite of apps, easily usable by anyone, so we can finally stop depending on gatekeepers’ solutions. It is a self-hostable and federated turnkey solution that is easy to deploy. ELFA protects users' privacy and security by encrypting everything end-to-end. It is based on the latest advancements in research on Local-First technologies that are resilient, privacy-enhancing, and give full control to the users over their data. The suite features a document editor, spreadsheet, email client, calendar, contact manager, project manager, communication tools for video calls and chat, forms and tables, photo and video sharing, as well as social networking and virtual reality. Data is stored locally with CRDTs and inside a graph database that is authenticated and interoperable, thanks to the use of RDF. The platform is open to anyone, hosting companies and app developers alike, who can contribute to enrich the ecosystem of apps by using the framework and SDK, publishing to its app store and applying for grants with the subgranting program we will roll out (FSTP). The sync protocol is based on DIDs that bring portability and durability to all accounts and document links. A process of standardization will increase adoption of the protocol and interoperability in general. ELFA platform is a key element towards digital sovereignty and the advent of a web 4.0 that is more inclusive, sustainable, human-centric, trustworthy and respectful of European values and regulations.