zeronet-conservancy

This is a minimalist conservative fork of ZeroNet with tor onion-v3 support (and perhaps more essential/security fixes in the future)

Why fork?

We need a fork that works with onion-v3 and doesn't depend on trust to one or two people. We need it now. This fork implements minimal changes to ZeroNet/py3 branch which are easy to audit yourself.

This fork is intended as temporary measure and will possibly stop being maintained after its original author established there is an alternative active trust-worthy fork.

Why 0net?

• We believe in open, free, and uncensored network and communication.
• No single point of failure: Site remains online so long as at least 1 peer is serving it.
• No hosting costs: Sites are served by visitors.
• Impossible to shut down: It's nowhere because it's everywhere.
• Fast and works offline: You can access the site even if Internet is unavailable.

Features

• Real-time updated sites
• Namecoin .bit domains support
• Easy to setup: unpack & run
• Clone websites in one click
• Password-less BIP32 based authorization: Your account is protected by the same cryptography as your Bitcoin wallet
• Built-in SQL server with P2P data synchronization: Allows easier site development and faster page load times
• Anonymity: Full Tor network support with .onion hidden services instead of IPv4 addresses
• TLS encrypted connections
• Automatic uPnP port opening
• Plugin for multiuser (openproxy) support
• Works with any browser/OS

How does it work?

• After starting zeronet.py you will be able to visit zeronet sites using http://127.0.0.1:43110/{zeronet_address} (eg. http://127.0.0.1:43110/1HeLLo4uzjaLetFx6NH3PMwFP3qbRbTf3D).
• When you visit a new zeronet site, it tries to find peers using the BitTorrent network so it can download the site files (html, css, js...) from them.
• Each visited site is also served by you.
• Every site contains a content.json file which holds all other files in a sha512 hash and a signature generated using the site's private key.
• If the site owner (who has the private key for the site address) modifies the site, then he/she signs the new content.json and publishes it to the peers. Afterwards, the peers verify the content.json integrity (using the signature), they download the modified files and publish the new content to other peers.

Slideshow about ZeroNet cryptography, site updates, multi-user sites »

Frequently asked questions »

ZeroNet Developer Documentation »

Screenshots

More screenshots in ZeroNet docs »

How to join

Install from source

• clone this repo
• install python3 and pip if needed (the following instructions are for apt-based distributions)
  • sudo apt update
  • sudo apt install python3-pip
• python3 -m pip install -r requirements.txt
• Start with: python3 zeronet.py
• Open the ZeroHello landing page in your browser by navigating to: http://127.0.0.1:43110/

It is recommended to use python environments instead of installing all dependencies globally (TODO: find/write up the detailed instructions)

Current limitations

• No torrent-like file splitting for big file support (big file support added)
• No more anonymous than Bittorrent (built-in full Tor support added)
• File transactions are not compressed or encrypted yet (TLS encryption added)
• No private sites

How can I create a ZeroNet site?

• Click on ⋮ > "Create new, empty site" menu item on the site ZeroHello.
• You will be redirected to a completely new site that is only modifiable by you!
• You can find and modify your site's content in data/[yoursiteaddress] directory
• After the modifications open your site, drag the topright "0" button to left, then press sign and publish buttons on the bottom

Next steps: ZeroNet Developer Documentation

Help this project stay alive

Become a maintainer

We need more maintainers! Become one today! Seriously, there's not going to be that much new code to audit and auditing new code is the only requirement.

Use it and spread the word

Make sure to tell people why do you use 0net and this fork in particular! People need to know their alternatives.

Financially support maintainers

Currently the only maintainer of this fork is @caryoscelus. You can see ways to donate to them on https://caryoscelus.github.io/donate/

If you want to make sure your donation is recognized as donation for this project, there is a dedicated bitcoin address for that, too: 1Kjuw3reZvxRVNs27Gen7jPJYCn6LY7Fg6

If you want to donate in a different way, feel free to contact maintainer or create an issue

Thank you!

• Generic zeronet subreddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/zeronet/