Dark Forest OS
The Dark Forest Operating System provides cryptographically-verified infrastructure for collaborative groups.
What is DFOS?
DFOS is a platform where groups can collaborate privately, with tools built for group decision-making rather than algorithmic engagement. It's infrastructure for creative groups who want to operate on their own terms, outside extractive platform dynamics.
Core features:
- Private spaces - Invisible to outsiders, accessible only to members
- Cryptographic verification - All content is signed and permanently attributed
- Flexible access control - Three join modes (closed, open, application) for different community models
- Group identity - Spaces exist independently of individual members
Key Concepts
Identities
Permanent, cryptographically-verified identifiers for users and spaces. Every identity has a DID (Decentralized Identifier) that anchors profiles, content, and permissions.
Spaces
Private environments where groups collaborate. Each space controls its own membership, access rules, and visibility. Spaces can be completely private or have public profiles for discoverability.
Posts
Content created within spaces. Posts are cryptographically verified with full edit history. Members can comment, react, and bookmark content.
For Developers
Build on DFOS:
- API Overview - Get started with the HTTP API
- Interactive Reference - Complete API documentation with try-it functionality
Understand the system:
- DID Method Specification - Technical specification for identities
- Catalog Model - Cryptographic content layer
The Vision
The contemporary internet optimizes for advertising and data extraction. Groups using these platforms accept diminished autonomy as the cost of convenience.
DFOS pursues a different path: infrastructure aligned with group needs rather than platform incentives. It's part of Metalabel's groupcore work—software, tools, economics, and ideas that help creative people cooperate.
This documentation covers the stable foundations. The system is in active development. For more about the broader vision, visit DFOS.com.
Getting Started
- Understand the system - Read Concepts to understand how DFOS works
- Explore the API - See API Overview for developer documentation
- Build something - Use the Interactive API Reference to start building
As individuals our powers are limited. In groups we become stronger.