Substratum is the next generation of a decentralized internet

In light of the repeal of Net Neutrality a week ago, it's worth pointing out something exciting in the pursuit of a decentralized, anonymous web: Substratum. It's an open-source network with a mission of “freedom” and their developers want to bring the whole internet to the whole world.

Substratum is proposing to replace VPNs (virtual private networks) and Tor (a browser used for surfing anonymously), both of which require additional software. VPNs are being banned in several countries which limits access to the whole internet for those populations. For the average user, Substratum doesn't require any special software. In fact, users can use any browser, including Safari, Internet Explorer, Chrome, and Firefox.

But if you run a Substratum node, you become a web host and earn their token, Substrate (SUB). The best money can be made when your computer and you are asleep. When you're signed off, your Substratum node picks up the pace and for each request your node serves, you receive a microtransaction paid in SUB.

This technology is an attempt to solve two of the inherent problems with Tor, which runs on its own browser (requiring additional software) and has easily distinguishable packets. Substratum packets blend into the data stream, disguised as standard http and https traffic. As the company says, Substratum packets hide in plain sight. And being hidden in plain sight makes it impossible to shut down.

Whether or not you agree with government regulations of the internet like Net Neutrality, Substratum makes it possible to decensor and decentralize the web without government “help.” And the repeal of Net Neutrality may provide an incentive for many more people to join this network that is beyond the ability of governments to control.

The founder and CEO, Justin Tabb said in a recent video that “[Substratum] doesn't require political intervention, doesn't require regulations in order to remain [net neutral].” ← THIS. The fact that there's a technological and innovative solution to this problem, rather than a regulatory one... that's an idea libertarians and ancaps have been promoting for decades. There is always a private, market solution that is cheaper, more efficient, and less threatening to liberty than government solutions to the same problem.

The SUB coin is an ERC20 token on the Ethereum blockchain, so you can use myetherwallet, metamask, or any other token-compatible Ethereum wallet to store it. Click here for a list of exchanges that trade SUB.

If you want to be part of the beta, you can apply here: https://substratum.net/beta-form/ and for more information on Substratum, check out the Substratum website or the Substratum YouTube channel.