November 21, 2023 at 08:39AM
The Tor Project has removed relays connected to a for-profit scheme involving cryptocurrency tokens, citing potential harm to the network’s integrity and users. The project engaged with relay operators and found that the scheme was not beneficial. The cryptocurrency in question, likely ATOR, experienced a drop in value after the announcement. The Tor Project plans to develop their own peer-to-peer routing network. In its financial report, the project revealed revenue of nearly $7 million, with the US government contributing the largest portion.
Key Takeaways from Meeting Notes:
1. The Tor Project has removed several relays from its network due to high risks they posed to network integrity and user safety.
2. The relays associated with a for-profit cryptocurrency scheme were considered harmful to the Tor network and did not meet the project’s requirements.
3. The financial scheme posed a significant threat to the network’s integrity, reputation, and the volunteer-driven spirit of the Tor Community.
4. The Tor Project engaged with relay operators and found that many were unaware of the project they were contributing to or operating relays in unsafe regions.
5. The cryptocurrency project involved, possibly ATOR, aimed to enhance the Tor network through rewards paid in ATOR tokens to relay operators.
6. Following the removal of relays, the value of ATOR cryptocurrency dropped significantly, and over 1,000 nodes were shut down.
7. ATOR maintainers plan to develop their own decentralized peer-to-peer routing network.
8. The Tor Project recently published a financial report, indicating revenue and support of nearly $7 million.
9. The majority of revenue came from the US government (over 50%), followed by individual donations and governments other than the US.