Freenet [1] is a network of computer nodes that use encrypted communications and anonymous file storage. The purpose of the Freenet network is to provide an anonymous environment for users operating in totalitarian countries who want to exercise their right to free speech without fear of government censorship. Freenet is also useful for corporate whistle-blowers or anyone else with strong feelings that might be too controversial to state openly.

Freenet is essentially a peer-to-peer network with many safeguards built in for preserving anonymity. Participants in the Freenet network operate as independent nodes. Each node only knows its nearest neighbors, and no node has complete knowledge of the network structure.

Users can upload files to the network and store them under a key. Others can use the key to download the files off the network. Anybody can download the file from any node on the network, even if the node that originally receives the request doesn't have a copy. If the node receiving the request does not have the file, it asks a neighbor, which might also need to ask its own neighbor, and eventually the request will reach every node on the network if necessary. All of this background communication is completely transparent to the user.

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