CobWeb

This paper introduces the CobWeb protocol and examines its security aspects. It describes the functioning of a completely decentralised social network which respects user privacy right from the software design stage. A transparently embedded public key infrastructure enables secure social communication even for users with no technical expertise. Its structure does not even require the conversation partners to know each other's IP addresses making it difficult to assign a real name to a user name. The architecture of the network also makes it difficult to block unwanted content as it is not hosted in a central locatable location. CobWeb thus contributes to safeguarding freedom of expression and even under the most adverse circumstances forms a stable communication platform that can guarantee a free and secure flow of information.