ATOR Protocol - For Anonymity at Scale
Hey, friends!
I hope you’re not bored of this market yet. Today we had an incident with Ledger that made the market fall 4-5% in a matter of 10 minutes.
There’s always something to be on the alert for.
Never a day without a hack, scam, a coin that goes up 20%, or a shitcoin that rugs.
Today’s newsletter is a sponsored deep dive into ATOR.
ATOR is undervalued at the moment, and after reading this you’ll find out why.
Btw, they have a quite degen community, make sure to check them out on Twitter too:
ATOR Protocol - For Anonymity at Scale
Introduction
In an age where digital privacy is increasingly under threat, ATOR Protocol emerges as a solution for trustless privacy. ATOR utilizes the power of a globally distributed relay network, incentivizing participants with ATOR tokens for their contributions in bandwidth, computing power, and services.
ATOR is redefining the landscape of internet privacy with its open anonymous-routing network, free from the limitations of centralized directory authorities. This design ensures unhindered participation for everyone. The network is structured to enable the anonymous integration of mainstream web services, from storage solutions to streaming, broadening the scope and functionality of online services. ATOR is utilising peer reviewed and industry standard technology, that is Open Source and audited on a global scale via Tor fork.
In its quest for unparalleled privacy, ATOR is building more than just a network; it's creating the largest DePin anonymity network. This foundational middleware layer offers privacy to all applications built upon it. Additionally, ATOR is committed to utilizing energy-efficient hardware, aligning with the need for sustainable technological solutions. This way, ATOR is creating a globally distributed network of anonymous routing.
ATOR introduces a user-friendly, low-powered computing device capable of operating as a network relay. This innovation enables individuals, regardless of their technical expertise, to contribute resources and passively earn ATOR tokens. The ATOR Relay extends beyond participation, allowing users to route their home internet traffic through the ATOR network and access anonymous services directly within the network. This pioneering approach offers end-to-end encryption, effectively transforming web access into a decentralized VPN experience. ATORs "plug and play" system is easy to use, and they aim to have enterprise quality customer technical support.
Internet autonomy should be a fundamental right. Across the globe, internet users face unconsented data collection, censorship, and monetization. The prevailing centralized internet services compromise our rights and freedoms. To reclaim autonomy and anonymity online, ATOR advocates for a shift to decentralized solutions.
This network empowers users and applications to seamlessly integrate into a decentralized ecosystem, ensuring no central off switch and promoting complete self-governance among its users.
ATOR Protocol and the Tor Team
ATOR began with the goal of bolstering the Tor network, implementing a relay reward protocol to encourage user participation by contributing bandwidth. This initiative aligned well with Tor's open-source ethos, and as ATOR's involvement deepened, its influence within the network grew significantly. By October, ATOR had successfully integrated over 2000 relays into Tor's network, which comprised a total of 6000 relays.
However, in November 2023, the dynamics changed when the Tor team, without prior warning or consultation with its community, the ATOR team, or the relay operators, decided to disconnect 2000 of these relays. This unexpected move not only demonstrated a centralized control within the Tor Project, contrary to their decentralized ethos, but also revealed their capacity to unilaterally manipulate the distribution of network traffic. Basically, the Tor community mods broke multiple sections of their own code of conduct that are listed here: https://gitlab.torproject.org/tpo/community/policies
This incident, while unforeseen, served as a pivotal moment for ATOR. It exposed fundamental disagreements and operational differences between ATOR and the Tor Project, leading to a subsequent sell-off.
More importantly, it catalyzed ATOR's decision to develop its own Peer-to-Peer (P2P) routing network, similar to Tor but with a vision to overcome the centralization issues that had become apparent in the Tor network.
This marked a significant shift in ATOR's trajectory, propelling them towards creating an independent network that aligned more closely to the principles of decentralization and community governance. In retrospect, Tors closed door values are too different than ours.
Tor's governance issue
Tor's network is structured around 9 directory authorities, 6 of which are designated as bandwidth authorities. These authorities (selected members of the Tor community) are tasked with managing the list of active relays and measuring their throughput. However, their role extends beyond mere measurement.
They assign a 'consensus weight' to each relay, which effectively determines the proportion of total network traffic that each relay handles. This system means that the routing of traffic through the network, while seemingly random, is actually influenced by the weights assigned by these bandwidth authorities.
The decision to shut down relays, as Tor did, is a centralized process requiring unanimous agreement from all directory authorities. The short time frame in which all 2000 relays were banned without any public debate highlighted exactly how centralised control is within the Tor Project. Furthermore, the individuals in these roles have remained unchanged for several years, indicating a lack of diversity and rotation in Tor's governance, contrary to the principles of decentralization. There was no public debate, nothing mentioned at the previous Tor operator meet-ups, and no thought or concern about the implications of shutting down 20% of the network.
ATOR’s new vision post Tor
In the wake of its departure from Tor, ATOR is embarking on an ambitious journey to construct its own decentralized anonymous-routing network. ATOR will have free-to-use ways to connect to the ATOR network (such as Android apps, web browsers, etc) and not just hardware. ATOR's vision is to create a network that not only respects privacy but also elevates the user experience through several key advancements:
Enhanced incentive structure:
ATOR is revolutionizing the incentive model for relay operators. Rather than relying on the goodwill of volunteers, every relay within the ATOR network will be rewarded, making these incentives a core aspect of the network's functionality. This approach aims to encourage broader participation and maintain a robust, high-performance network. This was the core concept that brought so much attraction to ATOR in the first place, and is is important to highlight when we look at ATOR's new vision..
Decentralization at the core:
ATOR is committed to a more decentralized framework for its directory authorities. These authorities will be required to stake ATOR tokens to participate in decision-making processes, ensuring a vested interest in the network's health and integrity. Moreover, bandwidth measurements and other critical network decisions will be determined through a consensus mechanism, further decentralizing control and enhancing network security.
Seamless integration of services:
ATOR is designed to be a more seamless and accommodating platform for various services, akin to anonymous services but with greater efficiency. The network is structured to facilitate easier integration of services, thereby reducing the reliance on exit nodes, and enhancing anonymity. This makes ATOR an ideal privacy middleware for a range of applications, from blockchain to crypto services, ensuring secure and private operations.
Optimized bandwidth utilization:
The network offers the flexibility to use ATOR to get additional bandwidth or computing power from relays. This feature is particularly beneficial for services that demand consistent high-performance connectivity, ensuring that ATOR can cater to a diverse range of needs.
Innovative token distribution layer:
Utilizing the Arweave platform, ATOR introduces a token distribution layer that is a key part of the ATOR relay reward protocol. However, it is more than about incentives. This layer enables relays to not only offer services within the network but also to receive payments from third parties. It opens up possibilities for a variety of utilities, including decentralized storage and streaming services, thereby expanding the network's functionality and appeal.
How does ATOR work?
The ATOR token is underpinned by a solid technical foundation on the blockchain, guaranteeing transparency, security, and fairness. It utilizes a Proof-of-Uptime mechanism to reward participants for their active and valuable contributions to the network. This self-regulating system ensures that rewards are fairly allocated to those who truly contribute to the network's stability and growth.
ATOR's network uses a unique combination of anonymous routing, decentralized directory authorities, private service connections, user-friendly hardware, and incentivized participation to create a secure and private online environment. This setup not only enhances privacy but also encourages community involvement and fair governance. Let's drill deeper down into each of these features to understand how ATOR works.
Anonymous routing:
Think of anonymous routing like sending a letter through several mailboxes before it reaches the final destination. In ATOR's network, this is done using a method called onion routing. Your online data (like the letter) is encrypted multiple times and sent through at least three different points in the network. Each point (or mailbox) removes one layer of encryption but doesn't know the final destination of the data. This way, your online activity remains private, as no single point can trace both where the data came from and where it's going.
Directory authorities:
Directory authorities in ATOR's network are like community-elected leaders who help manage the network. They're responsible for measuring and validating the performance of each relay (or point in the network). But unlike traditional systems where these leaders have all the control, ATOR uses a decentralized system. These authorities have to stake ATOR tokens to participate, making them more accountable. Their decisions are based on collective agreement, not individual power.
Hardware:
ATOR uses a special kind of hardware (like a mini-computer) called the ATOR relay. This device is designed to be user-friendly and allows people to participate in the network by routing data. This is a low-power, autonomous computing device built to run as a node in their anonymous network. It sends out signals to communicate its status and can be managed easily, even by those without technical expertise. This makes it simple to use for retail. It is worth adding that this hardware is currently going through a rigorous QA process consisting of a group of highly experienced engineers, built up of hardware experts, pen testers, software engineers, network/sys admins, etc
Relays in the ATOR network are rewarded for their work in helping data travel securely and anonymously. They receive ATOR tokens based on how much bandwidth they provide to the network. This system uses Arweave metrics to track each relay's contribution and ensures fair distribution of rewards without any transaction costs. Arweave is a unique kind of storage system that lets users and developers keep their data forever. This storage serves as an immutable source of truth. It is used to record and verify various activities and transactions within the ATOR network. All collected data is public and verifiable by all users.
I would recommend checking out their YouTube channel for more information: https://www.youtube.com/@atorprotocol
Partnerships and investors
Over the past two months, ATOR has significantly advanced its network development through a strategic partnership with the Forte Group. The Forte Group, renowned for its expertise and prestige, is a software house with a track record of successful projects for multiple Fortune 500 companies (DocuSign, Follett, Insureon, Redwood, Sphera). This collaboration has led to the formation of a dedicated and highly skilled team focused on building ATOR's new network.
ATOR has also partnered with Hotspotty, DePin's largest newsletter and Helium's biggest education hub. This collaboration is set to bring the broader DePin community into the fold, leveraging Hotspotty's extensive experience in expanding some of the largest decentralized networks. This strategic alliance positions ATOR to significantly enhance its network's reach and capabilities, tapping into the vast potential of decentralized privacy networks. It it also worth adding that Hotspotty has one of the largest DePIN newsletters in the industry with over 200k subscribers.
Token Partnerships:
· Paal AI
· Optimus
Tokenomics
The ATOR token grants governance rights on the future of the protocol; the token can be double staked to generate voting rights. Governance will be used to allocate the relay rewards between networks and determine incentives.
- governance can be used to determine the exact breakdow of incentives for relays, directory authorities, delegated stakers,
- governance will also be used in the self-moderation of the network against malicious relays and services
· 10% of supply will form the pool of tokens that fund the perpetual tokens rewards for ATOR relays
· 12% of supply is linearly vested over 18 months, supporting outreach, partnerships, development, listings, and team funds.
· 78% is currently circulating, including tokens within LP pairs and exchanges.
ATOR has implemented a linear vesting schedule for its tokens to ensure stability and sustainability in its token economy. This approach not only promotes fairness and long-term viability but also underscores ATOR's commitment to fostering a balanced ecosystem for both its users and investors
With the potential for hundreds of thousands of registered relays, coupled with a growing demand for privacy-centric services, ATOR is positioning itself at the forefront of a major shift. This shift aims to see all existing Web2 and Web3 services reimagined for anonymity and hosted on globally distributed relays, marking a significant transition in the digital landscape.
More in-depth information about the Tokenomics: https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/653b9100126d4df5269dbff6/6552461a25733be896bf8d96_tokenomics-paper-2023-11.pdf
Running an ATOR relay node
Starting in February, users will have the opportunity to engage directly with the ATOR network by installing the ATOR Linux package. This will enable people to run a node on their own hardware. To facilitate this process, ATOR is preparing to release an updated educational series, designed to guide users through the installation and operation steps, ensuring a smooth and user-friendly experience. The dev progress can be tracked on the Github and ATOR’s social media channels. Link to Github: https://github.com/ator-development
Operating a relay node in the ATOR network is a straightforward process, designed to be accessible even for those who might find the idea initially intimidating. To connect the relay to an Ethereum address for receiving rewards, users simply need to modify a single line in a configuration file. Following this, they complete the setup by registering on the ATOR website. This user-friendly approach ensures that participating in the ATOR network and earning rewards is a hassle-free and efficient experience. ATOR is only encouraging retail to run and operate relay nodes, and not exit, which are generally plug and play and safe in vast majority of juristifications
ATOR education series: https://relayseries.ator.io/relay-education/installing-virtual-box-virtual-machine
Running an ATOR node on Linux:
https://medium.com/@rob_64862/running-an-ator-relay-node-on-linux-d5709bf92bea
The privacy + Depin narrative as a fuel in the 2024/2025 bullrun
As the world becomes increasingly digital and interconnected, and as concerns over data privacy grow, technologies that can provide secure, private transactions are likely to see increased adoption and valuation.
Anonymizing networks, such as the one ATOR is developing, are crucial in addressing these privacy concerns within blockchain ecosystems. By using techniques like onion routing, these networks can obscure the details of the parties involved in a transaction while maintaining the integrity and transparency of the transaction itself. This approach provides a balance between the need for transparency in blockchain transactions and the need for privacy in personal and business dealings. DePIN hardware can run as ATOR relay nodes and also that down the line, DePIN hardware and ecosystems can use ATOR as a standard protocol for communication
Privacy-focused projects are likely to attract substantial investor interest, as they address a critical and growing market need. This interest can drive the prices of privacy coins and tokens associated with privacy-centric platforms.
Roadmap
With a promising roadmap, 2024 stands to be an eventful year for the Atornauts!
A key focus for ATOR is the launch of a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) for its anonymous routing network, setting the stage for global testing. This phase will involve Linux packages for relay software, the establishment of basic directory authorities, and a system for collecting metrics. The plan is to have relays operational and tested on the MVP network by January.
A significant breakthrough in the ATOR Network is the development of truly decentralized directory authorities. This innovation includes an architecture that allows new authorities to autonomously onboard and a novel authority role with its own reward system. Tor has had this issue for over 10 years, as per this blog post: https://blog.torproject.org/possible-upcoming-attempts-disable-tor-network/ and the recent events have proved they are not only vulnerable to outside attack but internal goverance issues
ATOR is also introducing a staking model for these directory authorities. This model requires authorities to submit bandwidth measurements and report new relays, signing their measurements with their Ethereum (ETH) pair. These measurements, combined with staked tokens, will form the basis for consensus within the network.
To ensure the integrity of this consensus process, ATOR is implementing mechanisms to prevent manipulation by adversaries. This includes voting systems, automatic penalties for rogue authorities, and delegated staking to increase security barriers.
For a complete roadmap, check this out: https://docs.ator.io/roadmap
Conclusion
ATOR Protocol is poised to redefine the landscape of internet privacy and decentralized networks. With its ambitious vision to build the largest DePin anonymity network, ATOR is setting a new standard for trustless privacy and decentralized infrastructure. This global network, powered by a dedicated community, represents a significant shift in how we interact with, provide, and benefit from everyday digital infrastructure.
In essence, ATOR Protocol is not just building a network; it is championing a revolution in decentralized and private internet usage. Its commitment to rapid innovation, broad participation, and a user-centric approach makes it a trailblazer in the realm of privacy networks.
As ATOR rolls out its MVP and beta hardware units, this project will make a significant impact on global privacy, setting a new standard for how privacy and decentralization are implemented in the digital world.
DePIN represents nothing short of a global infrastructure revolution.
The ATOR Network will be the largest DePIN network ever built.
Spanning across the globe, powered by the Atornauts!
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