What is I2P

 

What is I2P?

I2P is a network layer that is designed to enable anonymous peer-to-peer communication. It was initially developed as a fork of Freenet, but it has since evolved into its own ecosystem project with distinct goals. I2P contributors state over the last few years versions are now stable and well-deployed, and they are eager to expand the reach and user density of the network.

All I2P communication is end-to-end encrypted through garlic routing, with four layers of encryption used when sending a message. Even the endpoints are cryptographic identifiers, so neither senders or recipients need to reveal their IP address. This ensures that the communication is private and secure.

I2P can be used to run traditional internet services, such as email, IRC, file sharing, Web hosting, and HTTP. Many privacy focused developers are expanding the use of I2P into traditional distributed Apps cloaking web traffic utilizing proxy networks or DNS piggy backing off of I2P. Developers have latched onto Tor and I2P as foundational building blocks for censorship-resistant and anonymous peer-to-peer communication layers.

I2P uses 2048bit ElGamal/AES256/SHA256+Session Tags encryption and Ed25519 EdDSA/ECDSA signatures. Developers of I2P are known only via pseudonyms, and the project is funded entirely through donations. Funding support from agencies such as Open Technology Fund have been documented as early contributors to expanding the usability and awareness of I2P. But beyond that I2P has had a much smaller pool of backers when compared to Tor Project.

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