ZeroNet/README.md

ZeroNet

Decentralized websites using Bitcoin crypto and the BitTorrent network - https://zeronet.io

Why?

• 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

Windows

• Download ZeroNet-py3-win64.zip (18MB)
• Unpack anywhere
• Run ZeroNet.exe

Other platforms: Install from source

Fetch and extract the source:

wget https://github.com/HelloZeroNet/ZeroNet/archive/py3/ZeroNet-py3.tar.gz
tar xvpfz ZeroNet-py3.tar.gz
cd ZeroNet-py3

Install Python module dependencies either:

• (Option A) into a virtual env

  python3 -m venv zeronet
  source zeronet/bin/activate
  python3 -m pip install -r requirements.txt
  

• (Option B) into the system (requires root), for example, on Debian/Ubuntu:

  sudo apt-get update
  sudo apt-get install python3-pip
  sudo python3 -m pip install -r requirements.txt
  

Start Zeronet:

python3 zeronet.py

Open the ZeroHello landing page in your browser by navigating to:

http://127.0.0.1:43110/

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?

Shut down zeronet if you are running it already

$ zeronet.py siteCreate
...
- Site private key: 23DKQpzxhbVBrAtvLEc2uvk7DZweh4qL3fn3jpM3LgHDczMK2TtYUq
- Site address: 13DNDkMUExRf9Xa9ogwPKqp7zyHFEqbhC2
...
- Site created!
$ zeronet.py
...

Congratulations, you're finished! Now anyone can access your site using http://localhost:43110/13DNDkMUExRf9Xa9ogwPKqp7zyHFEqbhC2

Next steps: ZeroNet Developer Documentation

How can I modify a ZeroNet site?

• Modify files located in data/13DNDkMUExRf9Xa9ogwPKqp7zyHFEqbhC2 directory. After you're finished:

  $ zeronet.py siteSign 13DNDkMUExRf9Xa9ogwPKqp7zyHFEqbhC2
  - Signing site: 13DNDkMUExRf9Xa9ogwPKqp7zyHFEqbhC2...
  Private key (input hidden):
  

• Enter the private key you got when you created the site, then:

  $ zeronet.py sitePublish 13DNDkMUExRf9Xa9ogwPKqp7zyHFEqbhC2
  ...
  Site:13DNDk..bhC2 Publishing to 3/10 peers...
  Site:13DNDk..bhC2 Successfuly published to 3 peers
  - Serving files....
  

• That's it! You've successfully signed and published your modifications.

Help keep this project alive

• Bitcoin: 1QDhxQ6PraUZa21ET5fYUCPgdrwBomnFgX
• Paypal: https://zeronet.io/docs/help_zeronet/donate/

Sponsors

• Better macOS/Safari compatibility made possible by BrowserStack.com

Thank you!

• More info, help, changelog, zeronet sites: https://www.reddit.com/r/zeronet/
• Come, chat with us: #zeronet @ FreeNode or on gitter
• Email: hello@zeronet.io (PGP: CB9613AE)