ZeroNet

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ZeroNet
Initial release2015
Repository
Written inPython
Operating systemWindows, Linux, OS X
Available inEnglish
TypePeer-to-peer web hosting
LicenseGNU GPL v2
Websitezeronet.io

ZeroNet is a decentralized Internet-like network of peer-to-peer users. It is based in Budapest, Hungary; is built in Python; and fully open source.[1] Sites have specific "ZeroNet URL"s which can be accessed through an ordinary webbrowser when using the ZeroNet application, which acts as a local webhost for such pages.[1] ZeroNet is not anonymous by default, but users can hide their IP address by using the built in Tor-functionality.[1] ZeroNet uses bitcoin cryptography and the BitTorrent network.[2][3][4] The BitTorrent website Play hosts a magnet link repository on ZeroNet, which links to copyrighted content.[1] There is a Reddit community which offers support for ZeroNet.[1]

The existence of peer-to-peer online web-sites had been hypothesised for some time, with The Pirate Bay suggesting they would build a network, as well as BitTorrent Inc. which created the closed source Project Maelstrom.[1][5] One other similar project is the SAFE Network by MaidSafe, though it has not yet seen widespread use, and has been said to focus more on file storage.[5]

As of 2016 there is no way to take down a ZeroNet page which still has seeders,[1] thus making such pages immune to DMCA takedown notices.[6] By default, sites operate with a max-filesize of 10 megabytes, but this is a soft limit, and some websites go as big as gigabytes.

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g "Play: A P2P Distributed Torrent Site That's Impossible to Shut Down – TorrentFreak". TorrentFreak. Retrieved 2016-03-08.
  2. ^ Kysar, Tom (18 March 2015). "ZeroNet Expands Key Distributed And Anonymous Features". bravenewcoin.com. Retrieved 20 September 2015.
  3. ^ Sewell, Chase (15 January 2015). "Can Blockchain Technology Decentralize the Web?". insidebitcoins.com. Retrieved 20 September 2015.
  4. ^ Kumar, Mohit (18 February 2015). "MegaNet — New Decentralized, Non-IP Based and Encrypted Network". The Hacker News. Retrieved 20 September 2015.
  5. ^ a b Prisco, Giulio. "BitTorrent-Powered ZeroNet Decentralized Web Pioneers Peer-To-Peer Internet". Bitcoin Magazine. Retrieved 2016-03-08.
  6. ^ "Steal This Show S01E07: Did P2P Break the Law? - TorrentFreak". TorrentFreak. Retrieved 2016-03-08.

External links