> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.cosmik.network/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.cosmik.network/semble/basic-concepts/you-control-your-data.md).

# You control your data

Semble runs on the [**AT Protocol**](https://atproto.com/) (ATProto), the same decentralized infrastructure powering Bluesky. ATProto separates apps from data: you use Semble's interface while your data remains independently yours. Think of it like email — switch clients anytime without losing your messages.

Your cards, collections, and notes live in *your* personal data repository, not locked in Semble's database. This means:

* **Interoperability**: Connect with other ATProto apps. For example, Semble can use your Bluesky social graph to personalize discovery. Conversely, someone could build a feed reader that subscribes to your collections, or a visualization tool that maps your collection network as a graph.
* **Longevity**: Your data isn't hostage to any single platform's survival (in theory - see [honest reality below](#the-honest-reality-and-the-exciting-experiment))

To learn more about how ATProto works, check out [this excellent explainer](https://overreacted.io/open-social/).

#### The honest reality (and the exciting experiment)

Right now, most users rely on Bluesky's hosted infrastructure. While the protocol enables ownership and portability, the practical reality is that someone is paying for the servers. Self-hosting is possible but not yet practical for most people.

**This is part of the ongoing experiment in building sustainable open social and open research infrastructure,** and at Cosmik we're excited to be working at the leading edge of it. How do we create systems that give users real ownership while remaining accessible and sustainable? How do we build knowledge infrastructure that serves researchers rather than extracting from them? These are open questions, and Semble is our contribution to the grand experiment. 

**By using Semble, you're part of this experiment too!** Your participation is a vote of confidence for user-controlled infrastructure that serves researchers rather than extracts from them, and your feedback helps us evolve more resilient and sustainable systems.


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