ZeroNet

ZeroNet is a decentralized Internet-like network of peer-to-peer users. Programming for the network is based in Budapest, Hungary; is built in Python; and fully open source. Instead of having an IP address, sites are identified by a public key (specifically a bitcoin address). The private key allows the owner of a site to sign and publish change, which propagate through the network. Sites can be accessed through an ordinary web browser when using the ZeroNet application, which acts as a local webhost for such pages. In addition to using bitcoin cryptography, Zeronet uses trackers from the BitTorrent network to negotiate connections between peers. ZeroNet is not anonymous by default, but users can hide their IP address by using the built in Tor-functionality. The BitTorrent website Play hosts a magnet link repository on ZeroNet, which links to copyrighted content. There is a Reddit community which offers support for ZeroNet.

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. 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.

As of 2016 there is no way to take down a ZeroNet page which still has seeders, thus making such pages immune to DMCA takedown notices. By default, sites have a size limit of 10 megabytes, but users may grant a site permission to use more storage space if they wish.