A darknet is a private network closed to the general public that only accepts new members issuing a personal invitation, while darknets make infiltration difficult as members can be asked to contribute something before joining in order to prove that they are willing participants, it is possible that a darknet member computer is lost or stolen and someone else assumes his personality, aka identity theft, endangering the whole darknet, thus why using a darknet on a tor proxy is recommended, if nobody knows anyone else there is no way for members to track down other people through their IP address, when someone’s identity is stolen the opponent can only hope to lure members in the open to a medium where they can be traced, like for example giving them a link to a website that logs visitors IP.
The problem of running P2P software over tor is that it is very slow and tor has not been designed for that, it deprives people of much needed bandwidth to access banned websites, but as long as the files are small or the darknet is used only to chat with big file transfers taking place off the darknet then it can work.
WASTE, secure P2P filesharing
WASTE is a chat and anonymous P2P filesharing tool with instant messenger, group chat, file searching and file transfer (upload/download), public RSA encryption key is used to establish the connection and Blowfish encryption for file transfers, WASTE has been designed as a secure P2P tool to be used by a small group of people concerned about privacy and anonymity, there is no central node in WASTE, if a node goes down the network will still be up as it works in mesh mode, random traffic to make traffic analysis harder can be added using a feature called “Saturate”.
BlackBeltPrivacy WASTE P2P darknet
To join a decentralized P2P WASTE darknet you will need to know the password first, if you are just starting in WASTE you can join one of the public channels known as Nullnet, you only need to post your keys to WASTE Key exchange. One shortcoming of this private file exchange network is that when someone has joined there is no way to kick them out as there is no central authority, all that can be done is to create a new channel where that user is not invited.
BlackBeltPrivacy pseudoanonymous P2P
BlackBeltPrivacy is a pseudoanonymous P2P software bundle comprised of WASTE, tor proxy and darkRendezvous (a new pseudo anonymous technology still in beta), all combined in a single package, tor is included for those who want to contribute running a tor server using their own computer, but this does not mean that the darknet runs on tor, it uses a technology called swarmRendezvouz and it is not anonymous.
BlackBeltPrivacy lets you run a tor node
During installation you are offered to act as a tor node, Vidalia and Polippo come with the package, you can choose how much bandwidth you want to commit to the project, the default is 100MB a day, and if you would like to be a tor relay or a tor exit node, running a tor node is not compulsory in order to run BlackBeltPrivacy.
Like in all P2P software your computer will be acting as a server at times, this means that your firewall will give you dozens of warnings on incoming connections, you should configure it to allow BlackBeltPrivacy to share files, the developers have decided not to allow 100% anonymity to prevent what they call “criminal and abusive” behaviour, I only realised that this software is not truly anonymous after installing and running it, I am highly disappointed about the deliberate anonymity strip down carried out by the developers, by not allowing the ultraDark mode to run.
Visit BlackBeltPrivacy homepage
Update: The developers claim you are truly anonymous, a new darkBIOS() version has been released, see the comments section for more info.
Swarm Dev
We are the developers of this software. We are very grateful for the review but we feel we ought to point a few things out.
We have to start the darkNey() as semi-Dark() or else our users would not be able to contact eachother.
We then urge users to ‘go’ dark() by darkLocking() their WASTE node.
This then makes them the same as any other WASTE user. The key difference is they will always be able to connect back to darkBIOS() the darkNet() seed node.
You are free to do what you like on our network, but we encourage criminals and paedophiles and other miscreants to stay away from our network.
If you wish to share copyrighted material, you are free to do so – but as responsible netizens the best we can do is to ask you to not do so.
When you use our technology and then setup your own networks you can do exactly what you want. We have to protect our darkRendezvous() point though.
Thank you for the review and we hope many users see the light and use our software to protect their privacy online.
With the kindest of regards,
Callsign: Spiderman.
Caitlin
Thank you Swarm Dev for having taken the time to explain users how to properly configure a WASTE node.
However I still have to disagree about the rules imposed on the network, you mention that you would like to keep criminals and paedophiles out of the network and then say that if users would like to share copyrighted material, although not encouraged, they are free to do so.
Piracy is a crime too, I don’t buy it that some criminals are ok in the network and other higher up criminals are not ok, it appears that criminals are only stopped according to developers personal preferences. I have had myself some of my work stolen and given away for free which in turn has left me out of work unable to earn a living doing it, people complaining about criminals going the extra mile to stop them and then go and say that depending on what crime they carry out nothing will be done about it, besides recommending it isn’t done, then that is just being hypocrite.
callsign: spiderman
the darkBIOS() WASTE darknet can be anonymous. We have to choose default settings to bootstrap the darkNet(). Once you are bootstrapped, you are free to be as anonymous as you like. You are free to make your own connections to other WASTE darkNets() and do as you please.
At the bootstrap phase, we have to be semiDark(). Its the only way to connect users from all over the planet and get them into the darkNet()
Callsign: Spiderman
Telegraphic Anthropomorphic Student
Meta-Physical Atomics
Fractallic Awakening Center
Swarm Software Research Laboratories.
callsign: spiderman
Hi Caitlin,
We are trying to work with Police services and health authorities in support of victims of sexual and domestic abuse.
We are sorry if we appear a little ambiguous. We are new to all this.
Thank you for your comments.
darkBIOS() is just a seed WASTE node. As I mentioned you are free to do what you want beyond setting up our software initially.
Its a fine balancing act I guess and we are human. As such we are subject to making mistakes too.
This dialogue is very important and we respect your opinion.
We have to appear to be squeaky clean, whilst at the same time we respect your needs.
Our best advice is to download our software, talk to our users and then build your own network with your own rules.
Thank you Caitlin.
May compassion rest gently on your shoulders and may your conciousness rise to accept her.
Callsign: Spiderman
Telegraphic Anthropomorphic Student
Meta-Physical Atomics
Fractallic Awakening Center
Swarm Software Research Laboratories.
… we put the passion back into compassion…
… on the edges of Chaos, you’ll find us !
… one quantum from waypoint alpha.
callsign: spiderman
In addition….
To become ultraDark() on our WASTE darkNet() we would need to employ Tor. If we do that we will damage the Tor network, since all WASTE traffic will enter and exit via Tor nodes, which are not designed to handle P2P traffic.
We cannot allow damage to Tor’s network or else we will be politely asked to cease and desist by the main Tor development community. They have already done this once and we had to be very diplomatic to gain their understanding.
It has taken nearly 2 years of playing nice with the Tor dev community before getting access to their Dev environment.
We cannot afford to upset them.
We have to choose a default username on the darknet when you join. We use your computer name for this reason.
The documentation clearly indicates how to change this to an anonymous name once you connect.
“””this software is not truly anonymous after installing and running it, I am highly disappointed about the deliberate anonymity strip down carried out by the developers, “””
We have to ask the question, how can we connect vast numbers of potential users, without using some form of unique name for them. No one who know who they were talking to otherwise.
We store no logs at our nodes, only darkRendezvous() logs conversations, but once connected you have no real need to use darkRendezvous() again.
As I stated before, to get all users from all countries into the network as their will, we have to make choices about defaults, but once connected you are free to become as anonymous as you like.
We hope users can understand this and at least have a play with our software.
As I mentioned before, we want to be able to help agencies in need of decentralised and secure communications infrastructure.
This includes but is not limited to:
Disaster Relief Agencies.
Charitable Agencies,
Law Enforcement in support of victims,
Health Agencies.
There are so many cases of information missing on USB keys or laptops and this software is a way to combat that.
NO agencies connect to our darkNet() and NEVER WILL.
We are using this in part as a technology demonstrator. If agencies want to use our software they will receive consultancy and will NOT be connected to the default network AT ANY TIME. They will receive custom builds of the software. We will likely employ Tor to make an ultraDark() network, but it would be a closed one so as not to damage the main Tor network.
Please do try the software out, there is help there if you need it.
Once again, you are free to do as you please once you have your own network of friends connected and have your own darkNet().
You are also able to password protect your darkNet() making it even more secure for you and your group of friends.
We dont want to discourage users from coming to our network and having fun interacting and sharing.
Callsign: Spiderman
Telegraphic Anthropomorphic Student
Meta-Physical Atomics
Fractallic Awakening Center
Swarm Software Research Laboratories.
callsign: spiderman
Sorry for all the information – I hope I don’t overload anyone.
The Tor development community, in an effort to support censored users, wanted some way to get bridge-relays out to those censored people. Our darkNet() is a way to do that too.
We very much want to keep EVERYONE happy, so we are happy to provide advice and support.
If you truly want to go ultraDark, you need only create a proxy connection to polipo and allow it route over Tor.
As already stated, this will damage the Tor network, which is in effect a giant anonymous web server, not intended for P2P traffic. In point of fact, some Tor rules specifically try and combat P2P users, since they are clobbering the Tor network and don’t understand that they are damaging it.
Its a philosophical nightmare. If everyone was to contribute bandwidth to Tor, then P2P traffic over Tor would not be the problem it is. But, some people will always want to take and not give back, and these types will over time kill the Tor network unless operators take steps to combat it.
This is one reason for our software. We employ best practices for all countries that we can lay our hands on.
For example, there are rules for US users and British users too. For example some BT routers in the UK dont like using default ports (443, 80) under the 1000 port level, so we have to take this into account too.
We are between a rock and a hard place and we don’t take decisions lightly.
I could contact the Tor community and gain some advice about this.
If we pander to ultraDark() requirements we will really annoy the Tor community.
If we dont pander to ultraDark() tech we annoy you.
We really cant win….. :..(
I will update this thread with more info as I get it because a common understanding is the most useful resolution in these issues.
Callsign: Spiderman
Telegraphic Anthropomorphic Student
Meta-Physical Atomics
Fractallic Awakening Center
Swarm Software Research Laboratories.
callsign: spiderman
We are making a public change to our p2p policy in part due to comments here and in part due to Caitlin.
Thank you for enlightening us, we are now changing our docs accordingly.
Its been a refreshing exchange with intelligent people.
callsign: spiderman
Caitlin and Hacker10.
We have paid very special attention to your needs and comments and justifiable gripes.
That is why we want you to be the first to know we are releasing darkBIOS() as a separate install for you.
You will easily be able to create your own personal darkNet()’s with a simple installer and sensible install-time defaults.
This is the best public apology we can make for upsetting you.
We will update the thread in due course.
If you see this an un-necessary we can cease development.
Caitlin
Hello,
I appreciate your updating and taking into account the feedback, but as good as BlackBeltPrivacy might be, I use FreeNet at home because it is to what I am used to, so there is no need for any separate install for me.
Best of luck with your project,
Caitlin
callsign: spiderman
check out the beta:
https://sourceforge.net/projects/blackbeltpriv/files/beta/
We are hoping you will and feedback any and all information to us – using the support link if needs be.
We want to befriend Hacker10 and get the best to you ASAP.
callsign: spiderman
ok Caitlin,
We hear you.
callsign: spiderman
We think it is a great shame that people think our darkNet() is not anonymous. We only use your computer name as a beginning Display Name. Your real username remains as ‘SwarmEntity’ for the entire duration you use the software.
We feel we have received an injustice at this site.
We have now changed our documentation to reflect and help repair the damage that may or may not have been caused.
WASTE protects ALL communications behind encrypted ID for transmission of all data.
We feel there has been a great mis-understanding.
swarmRendezvous is ONLY a rendezvous point for the network – and NOT a way to track users.
The darkNet() helps to protect Tor by moving anonymous p2p traffic off the Tor network.
Just as an aside it took me 20 seconds to enable Tor p2p traffic on the darkNet(), but there is NO NEED TO DO THIS and it DAMAGES the Tor network.
This is something we promised the Tor community we would not do under any circumstance.
We have a responsibility to help censored users reach the wider world.
Its a terrible shame that some people may now think we are part of bigBrother based on inaccurate information.
In response to your concerns we have released darkBIOS() as a seperate product to allay peoples fears about our technology.
What a tragic shame we have been misunderstood.
Thank you Hacker10 for the review.
We hope we can move forward and unite the human family.
callsign: spiderman
IF we find any users from 3 letter agencies we do have the ability to ban them for life and that includes the copyright terrorists such as the RIAA and others.
We have your best interests at heart.
You will have to take our word on that.
Please feedback more positive or negatives Hacker10 so we can keep your community happy to.
We are HERE TO HELP YOU.
callsign: spiderman
We now have our first darkBIOS() superScale() user. America got there first on this one. All hats off to you !
Here is there identity information:
[9/18/11@11:51:15] *** iv-darkEntity-darkBIOS()-SwarmA is darkEntity [D88F64E08AC90FF08731B46697A11ECF/AA71C0AE36EAA7EE21FF64DEAA2CC63265852DD4] (WASTE v1.7 beta (build 442))
Now – you tell us if that is not anonymous !
Caitlin
That is great spiderman, I added an “update” line at the end of the post directing people to read your comments.
Best of luck,
Caitlin
callsign: spiderman
Thank you Caitlin,
You can use our software with confidence.
We will be filtering all RIAA and other cretins from our rendezvous node. You have to connect with an IP address, but it is not easily known aside from the rendezvous point. With darkBIOS() released there will be lots of rendezvous points, who have no real clue who you are. All a darkBIOS() user can do is filter ip addresses on their router, or stop specific clients from routing through them via ip address masks. Great for keeping the RIAA and 3 letter cretins out.
But even darkBIOS() does not know what you are sending or to whom you are sending it.
All networks have nodes that connect. We know this. Some people are paranoid and want to connect over Tor. This then makes those who are censored have a much slower experience.
Why not use our software for secure web browsing and when you need to send Auntie Phillipa your latest holiday snaps, use WASTE – safe, 2048bit blowfish encrypted and secure. So simple Auntie Phillipa can install it in no time.
We are VERY open to any and all your comments.
If places like Hacker10 don’t beat us up, we cant improve or improve understanding in what we are doing.
Callsign: Spiderman
Telegraphic Anthropomorphic Student
Meta-Physical Atomics
Fractallic Awakening Center
Swarm Software Research Laboratories.
… we put the passion back into compassion…
… on the edges of Chaos, you’ll find us !
… one quantum from way-point alpha.
callsign: spiderman
here is your WASTE darkBIOS() to do with as you wish…
http://sourceforge.net/p/darkbios/home/Home/
Tracer
As Caitlin said in an earlier post, having any moral standards concerning the implementation of WASTE in any shape or form is disgraceful and makes the whole program void. True democracy is not based on personal morals but on peoples choices Why is certain crime ok when other is not ?
I find it to be a double standard and one you cannot afford it in light of what you are trying to achieve overall with the program. Their should be a all or nothing approach. I mean cmon think of the reason why youre making the program to begin with, ofc their will be pedofiles and potential criminals that will use the prog, however its not up to you to decide whether they can use is or not !
Anywhere on the internet these days you can find pictures and videos of the most heinous crimes man can think of to commit. Its there for a reason and it should be. the true definition of mankind depicted on viral media. Thats whats great about the internet, they are no rules and there shouldt be.
callsign: spiderman
As we have already stated.
We have UPDATED our documentation to combat issues brought to light here. We have since had contact with the Tor development community who are also trying to build our latest versions to understand how we have put it together.
You are ***FREE*** to do ***WHATEVER*** you like with your WASTE darkRendezvous() client !
We urge you to complete darkLock() once you download to become a true WASTE anonymous client.
Can we please stop the hostility.
We have learnt our lesson.
Thank you.
callsign: spiderman
Come and check out the network.
We have had a visit from at least one person who read this. They now understand how it all works and were happy to interact on the network.
Try it out and see – if you are not happy – feedback.
If you are really unhappy – uninstall.
Thats the best we can do for you Hacker10.
We are open to any and all criticism. We cant drive forward without it.
Thank you again.
callsign: spiderman
We hope we can allay your fears.
We hope we have been diplomatic and sensitive to your needs.
As part of our ongoing commitment to you and to allay any other fears with our technology stack, we will be using PeerGuardian to protect our darkRendezvous() nodes.
If you have any feedback on this – please let us know.
Kind regards,
CallSign: Spiderman.
callsign: spiderman
The darkBIOS nodes are all PeerGuardian protected now.
This is to add to your security and that of the wider network.
We are listening to you and doing our best.
Thank you.
Filip
Caitlin I like your site so far but your comment about piracy is being crime did disappoint me. what is criminal or not depends on country, what is illegal in UK dont have to be illegal in china or Russia or Switzerland. And to even remotely trying to put “pirates” on same level as pedophiles, well that doesn’t need commentary…
Your logic is somehow flawed in one aspect, because when something is deemed illegal by our system today it doesn’t mean its right or moral. I would suppose its illegal to demonstrate against
government in Syria (or North Korea etc) but it doesn’t mean that doing so is wrong.
I highly recommend for you to read Falkvinge Lawfully good lawfully evil article
Paul
Where has DarkBIOS gone? Its Sourceforge folder is empty.
How can I contact the developer?
Thanks.
cipherSource
I have spoken to some people on the network. This is what I gleaned.
BlackBelt Privacy – Tor + WASTE
BlackBelt darkNet – WASTE only – and the client most people should use.
BlackBelt darkBIOS – was removed since its really intended for people who wish to serve their own darknet.
The main difference between the WASTE client and WASTE darkBIOS is that the bios is just that – basic input output system. It primarily exists to allow clients to connect to the network and so allows many more connections that the client. The network hangs together with a default key, held by the BIOS node. This is known to be less secure – but it means all persons can connect. You are then free to generate a new private key specific to you to get full security on the network. The guy I spoke to said that he and others encourage people to make use of the WASTE network password facility to then generate your own darknets, which are network-password protected. The one you connect to is a nullnet, which in WASTE parlance is a meeting place for users. So darkClient is what you need to make use of the nullnet and to create your own smaller darknet. darkBIOS is designed to allow many many people to have a central meeting place.
The download page for BlackBelt Privacy is :
http://sourceforge.net/projects/blackbeltpriv/
For BlackBelt darkNet (the client only connecting to darkBIOS server) :
http://sourceforge.net/projects/swarmdarknet/
I hope that clears it up 🙂
hacker10
Thank you for the update and the explanation ciphersource.
hacker10
cipherSource
BlackBeltPrivacy +Tor +Waste is now hosted at MajorGeeks.
http://www.majorgeeks.com/BlackBeltPrivacy_TorWASTE_d7658.html
cipherSource
The developers have obviously taken views here on board.
When you install now your default display name is set to anon::
You are then free to change it to what you want.
The ‘real id’ is also set to darkEntity and a version number.
They do not push WASTE traffic over Tor because they have promised the Tor team not to break or harm their network. WASTE is a p2p tool and privacy tool. There is not much point in pushing traffic over Tor. Well – unless you want to annoy the Tor developers and suffer catastrophic performance degradation.
This is still in beta, but rumour has it that its nearing a point release. It seems stable for everyday use right now 🙂
They are listening to you Hacker10….
BlackBelt Privacy Team
We have now included MicroSIP for true p2p voice calling to any IP:Port address.
WASTE has also been revamped, increasing anonymity in its views. WASTE now completely disconnects the IP address of connected users from the content they may wish to share.
Please feedback to us with any issues, using this forum or the BIOS node on the WASTE darknet network.
grub @ BlackBelt Privacy Team.
Hacker10
Hello,
Thank you for the update, the project is looking great. Best of luck.
hacker10