Snowstorm is a decentralized microproxy network that utilizes peer-to-peer connections and encryption to enable users to bypass online censorship and protect their internet privacy. By routing traffic through a distributed network of ephemeral peers, it allows individuals and businesses to access the global internet without fear of surveillance or restrictions.
Funding
$4M raised to dateRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
SCFounders
Product
Problem
Internet censorship restricts access to information and limits freedom of expression for users in many regions. Traditional VPNs, designed to circumvent these restrictions, are often easily blocked by state actors due to their centralized nature.
Solution
Snowstorm is a decentralized microproxy network designed to provide unrestricted internet access by routing traffic through a distributed network of volunteer-operated nodes. By utilizing WebRTC, a protocol commonly used for video chat, Snowstorm disguises internet traffic, making it difficult for censors to distinguish from normal communications. Users can volunteer their connections to act as temporary proxies, creating an ephemeral network that is challenging to block. Snowstorm functions as a standalone application, offering faster speeds compared to its predecessor, Snowflake, and allows users to stream high-quality video content.
Target Audience
The primary target audience includes individuals in regions with heavy internet censorship, activists, and anyone seeking unrestricted access to online information.
Features
- Decentralized network of volunteer-run proxies for censorship circumvention
- WebRTC protocol to disguise traffic as video chat, evading detection
- Standalone application for macOS, with versions for Windows and Linux planned
- Direct connection without requiring the Tor browser
- Faster speeds compared to Snowflake, enabling streaming of high-quality video
- Open-source code, promoting transparency and community development
- Option for users in uncensored regions to volunteer their connections