A recent study by two NGO’s, ImpACT International for Human Rights Policies and Access Now, reveals that of the seven major internet service providers in Palestine, not one meets the minimum standard for effectively protecting user data and information. It is no surprise then that each of these providers has also enshrined in their use agreements waivers of liability in the event of malicious third-party use of user data and private information. The vulnerabilities of these platforms have long been known, not least by the providers themselves, but their unwillingness to address them only ensures that more leaks and other cases of malicious third-party use will continue to dominate tech industry headlines.
All of this has serious consequences for human rights, as Marwa Fatafta, MENA Policy Manager at Access Now points out - "Privacy is the gateway to the enjoyment of fundamental rights and freedoms. Companies that hoard personal data without transparency are exposing people who are already subject to all forms of surveillance and abuse online to further unnecessary harm” (Palestine Privacy Violations).
These problems are not confined to places of political unrest, for Forbes Magazine (Forbes), reports that “Washington recently repealed an FCC rule that, had it gone into effect, would have made it difficult for internet service providers (ISPs) to sell customers’ personal information to advertising agencies and third parties. In the absence of these protections, we are back to square one.” And in the past year, the Solar Winds and Colonial Pipeline hacks have only highlighted the critical need for a platform that is secure, safe, and anonymous.
To address issues of online privacy, censorship, and security, MASQ has launched masq.ai, a privacy-focused platform that leverages the immense power and potential of blockchain technology in the creation of a privacy-based decentralized mesh network (dMN). Designed to function as an advanced blockchain virtual private network (VPN), it is far more sophisticated than anything currently in existence.
MASQ — A Decentralized Mesh Network [dMN]
Mesh networks are a type of local network in which individual computers connect to one another to share the work of routing client data. In this particular arrangement, the fundamental, immutable characteristics of the mesh network, its “topology,” is an arrangement in which individual computers connect non-hierarchically, dynamically, and directly to a group of other computers or “nodes.” These nodes then collaborate to seamlessly route data to and from clients. The flow of data is not dependent upon a singular central server or set of servers, hence the term “decentralized.”
When using the MASQ network, your computer connects with four to five other individual nodes on the network, creating “neighborhoods.” According to the data team, the nodes in each neighborhood dynamically route traffic through one another and across mother neighborhoods to complete data requests. Data routed between these nodes is unidentifiable from its origin since it is routed through 3 nodes, putting an end to ISP spying and a centralized provider’s ability to track user data.
Solving the Privacy Problem
By building their network on the Ethereum blockchain, MASQ was able to combine the power of blockchain networking with the power of a VPN and Tor-like technology to create this next-generation software. The result is a platform that not only puts an end to ISP spying and ensures privacy but also allows users to request content they ordinarily would be barred from accessing because of strict geographical restrictions. Users in regions where censorship and online surveillance are common will benefit greatly from the enhanced privacy features and expanded access capabilities of this technology - it is by all rights, a game-changer. For those who live in regions with unrestricted access, using this platform is a way to support true internet freedom and fight illegitimate uses of censorship.
Although there is a current fixed-rate structure for running MASQ, the development team has revealed in a recent press release that a plan is underway to integrate market dynamics where users can choose minimum and maximum rates for both serving and consuming data. Even though MASQ is built on the premier dApps network Ethereum, the MASQ team has also integrated Polygon (MATIC) into the platform, adding another measure of efficiency and scalability, and becoming the first decentralized mesh network on the Polygon ecosystem. By leveraging the amazing features of the Polygon network, MASQ has created an efficient platform where users can conveniently offer and receive data at a remarkably low cost. With both value-based and monetary incentives to offer in addition to cutting-edge security, the platform is poised for mass adoption.
Introducing MASQ Tokens
With the proliferation of Bitcoin, there has been an exponential rise in interest surrounding blockchain, with some 13,000 cryptocurrencies built upon this permanent, immutable, encryption technology. A multitude of other platforms and protocols have been built for various purposes, but MASQ has combined both utility and peer-to-peer security, for not only has it leveraged the power of blockchain to secure the mesh network platform for Internet browsing, but it is also powered by the MASQ Token.
If online security and freedom were not reasons enough, MASQ has built-in another powerful incentive to use their network. The advantage of a platform built on the Ethereum blockchain is that users can not only pay for decentralized mesh network services with MASQ Tokens, but they can also earn crypto-currency rewards by simply running their node and routing traffic to other users. Individuals can earn passive income in the form of MASQ Tokens as they add bandwidth to the network - all while protecting their own privacy and helping others secure the same.
Additionally, the development team is working to further integrate token rewards, another powerful way for holders to earn crypto. Speaking to reporters about this new facet of the platform, the development team has announced that a Polygon-based decentralized exchange (dEX) will be chosen to create a large liquidity pool (LP) for users.
The upcoming GEMINI software will be released in phases for users, keeping with the values of transparency and internet freedom. Several release phases will allow the first version of the MASQ software to be tested publicly. What's more, these releases are also aimed at individuals with little or no technical experience who can use them for further development in new and creative ways. The team believes the GEMINI release will interest crypto enthusiasts from all over the world to further the work of creating a secure and free (and profitable) internet for all.
