Peer-to-peer filesharing platform with a focus on security that includes file search and browsing.
Freenet by the folks over at freenetproject is an anti-censorship and pro-freedom application and community which facilitates freedom of speech and free file sharing among users online their network. It is completely decentralized, putting it under the jurisdiction of no one authority. Freenet includes free chat forums, acts as a free web host accessible to others who are also online the Freenet network and also offers the option to function in "darknet" mode, making yourself only viewable to confirmed friends.
The running of the program is actually rather difficult to detect and sharing is made possible by contributing to the network in the form of providing a small amount of your own hard drive space and bandwidth.
Depending on how popular a certain file becomes on the Freenet network, it is either continuously made available or deleted after a period of time where it is less popular. It is also important to note that it works a little bit like other file sharing protocols in that your own resources are being used to the benefit of others while you are active; the files which are stored on your PC are indeed encrypted so you can't know what you are hosting and sharing. That also enters into a grey area, because the user cannot possibly have known what content they are hosting or distributing.
Overall, though, Freenet is a very secure network and all traffic in and out of Freenet is encrypted along with being routed via many different nodes.
Features of Freenet
- Anonymity: Freenet allows users to share content and communicate with each other anonymously. It does this by routing traffic through a network of computers, making it difficult for anyone to trace the origin of the content.
- Customization: Freenet is highly customizable, allowing users to tailor their experience and add additional features and functionality through the use of plugins.
- Decentralization: Freenet is decentralized, meaning that it is not controlled by any single entity or organization. This makes it resistant to censorship and ensures that users have control over their own content and data.
- Discussion forums: Freenet includes a number of discussion forums where users can discuss a wide range of topics in a safe and anonymous environment.
- File indexing: Freenet includes a built-in search engine that allows users to easily find and download files that are shared on the network.
- File sharing: Freenet allows users to share files of any type, including documents, videos, music and images.
- Security: Freenet includes a number of security measures to protect users' privacy, including encryption, anonymity and routing traffic through a decentralized network.
Compatibility and License
Is Freenet free?
Freenet is available for free and released under the open source GPLv2 license on Windows from P2P filesharing software. The license provides the options to freely download, install, run and share this program without any restrictions. The source code for Freenet should be freely available and modifications are certainly permitted as well as the option to inspect the software.
The Freenet Project accepts donations for the continued development of this free software.
What version of Windows can Freenet run on?
Freenet can be used on a computer running Windows 11 or Windows 10. Previous versions of the OS shouldn't be a problem with Windows 8 and Windows 7 having been tested. It comes in both 32-bit and 64-bit downloads.
Other operating systems: The latest Freenet version from 2024 is also available for Mac.
Filed under:
- Freenet Download
- Free P2P Filesharing Software
- Open source and GPL software
- Peer To Peing Software
