Mask Network is a unique protocol that strives to bridge the gap between the traditional internet (Web 2.0) and the decentralized network (Web 3.0). It is designed to allow users to send encrypted messages, interact with decentralized applications (DApps), and share files on a decentralized level. Mask Network was launched in July 2019 with the primary use case of enabling users to encrypt posts on various platforms. It has since expanded its functionality to include the ability to support Gitcoin grant campaigns directly from various platforms, peer-to-peer payments, and decentralized storage functionality. Mask Network aims to create a decentralized Applet (DApplet) ecosystem over existing platforms without the need for migration.

Mask Network operates by allowing users to generate unlimited 'personas', each representing a secp256k1 key pair. Users can post their public key onto their platform profiles or create a public post containing the public key. Other users can retrieve this public key and create a pubkey-username mapping in their local Mask Network database. Each post is encrypted by an AES256 key in GCM mode, ensuring that only one unique cipher post can be posted onto the platform. The AES key is then encrypted asymmetrically with all the designated recipients using ECIES (Elliptic Curve Integrated Encryption Scheme) with the post creator’s private key and all the recipients’ public keys. All the encrypted AES keys are synced to GunDB nodes, ensuring end-to-end encryption and decentralization.

Mask Network has a wide range of potential use cases. It allows users to send encrypted messages to friends, send and receive cryptocurrency, share files, and interact with DApps, all on a decentralized level. This adds a layer of privacy to their online interactions. Mask Network also offers the ability to support Gitcoin grant campaigns directly from various platforms. Furthermore, it aims to introduce a full suite of decentralized finance apps to various platforms to comprise a next-generation personal finance experience. Users will have the ability to send payments, trade tokens, borrow, follow traders, participate in public offerings, issue personal tokens, bet on current events, and enjoy portfolio analysis without leaving the platforms.

Mask Network was founded by Suji Yan, who had previously founded Dimension.im, a series of products designed to advocate for social liberty along the cypherpunk movement. Mask Network was initially launched in July 2019, with its first use case of allowing users to encrypt posts on various platforms. It received $2 million in a round in November 2020, co-led by HashKey and Hash Global, and a further $3 million in another round in February 2021 with participation from Digital Currency Group and Fundamental Labs. In February 2021, Mask Network launched their MASK governance token, which is governed by a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) called the MaskDAO. Token holders can vote on key decisions for the MaskDAO, where each one MASK represents one vote. At the genesis, 100,000,000 MASK tokens were created, and the rest of the supply will be unlocked over a three-year period.