HOPR is a decentralized, incentivized mixnet that aims to bring true privacy to web3. It allows for the transmission of any kind of data without revealing the metadata. HOPR does not have its own blockchain, but node runners may receive HOPR tokens as compensation on Gnosis Chain and Ethereum mainnet. Developers can build their own decentralized applications (dApps) on top of HOPR, giving users control over their online and personal data. The HOPR token launched in February 2021, and all proceeds from the launch are controlled by the HOPR DAO, a decentralized autonomous organization.

HOPR works by providing scalable transport level privacy, enabling the creation of truly private, trustless, and secure applications for web3. It uses a proof-of-relay mechanism, a cryptographic system that rewards node runners only after they have successfully relayed data, while preserving their privacy. Node runners are compensated with HOPR tokens only after completing their mixing and relay duties. The HOPR protocol is designed such that no one but the sender can know the details of their data and its route through the HOPR mixnet.

HOPR can be used in a variety of ways to enhance privacy in the digital world. For instance, it can be used to browse information securely from websites without being tracked by ISPs or third-party providers. It can also be used to send blockchain transactions without leaking metadata to miners or other relayers. Furthermore, HOPR can be used to create peer-to-peer applications that require private communication, such as gaming and online chats. It can also be used to proxy traffic via a SOCKS-like interface that forwards traffic via the HOPR network.

HOPR was founded by Sebastian Bürgel, a graduate of ETH Zurich with a degree in information technologies and electrical engineering. Bürgel co-founded SONECT, an ATM as-a-service provider company, and served as the chief technology officer for SONECT until 2017. He also served as CTO at Validity Labs, providing education-related solutions via blockchain technology. In 2020, Bürgel left Validity Labs to start HOPR. The HOPR token launched in February 2021, and all proceeds from the launch are controlled by the HOPR DAO. The development of the HOPR protocol is overseen by the HOPR Association, a privately funded organization separate from the HOPR DAO.

HOPR strives to address privacy issues by providing a decentralized mixnet that obscures all metadata, including IP addresses. This makes it challenging to discern who is communicating and what data they're transmitting. HOPR's protocol is designed to ensure that data gets from one point to another with privacy and speed. The protocol uses a method known as "hopping," where data is sent through multiple relay nodes, making it difficult for anyone to track the data's origin, destination, or content. HOPR also employs a proof-of-relay mechanism, encouraging node operators to correctly relay data with the potential to receive HOPR tokens as non-monetary rewards. This approach seeks to foster an environment with enhanced privacy and data control, where users aim to have increased control over their data and metadata.

You can locate HOPR statistics on various platforms that aggregate data related to cryptocurrencies. These platforms provide data about HOPR, such as its current value, market capitalization, trading volume, and circulating supply, among other things. It's crucial to remember that these platforms only supply data and do not imply any financial returns. The HOPR Network Dashboard strives to give insights into the network's performance and usage. When seeking information about cryptocurrency, it is suggested to consider multiple sources.

The HOPR Protocol is a privacy-preserving messaging protocol and decentralized network that provides non-monetary rewards. It offers a platform for individuals and companies to exchange information online with complete privacy. The protocol obscures all metadata, including IP addresses, making it impossible to determine who is communicating and what data they're sending. HOPR is fully decentralized, meaning users don't have to worry about relinquishing control of their data. The network remains independent and resilient, even if most nodes are compromised or damaged. It's a peer-to-peer network open to anyone who wants to join and run a node. Users who run a node and stake tokens receive HOPR tokens as non-financial incentives for their participation. The HOPR Protocol seeks to offer improvements in the privacy and security of online communications and transactions within the cryptocurrency space.

Layer 0 in the context of HOPR refers to the foundational infrastructure on which other blockchains and applications are built. This layer is essentially the "blockchain for blockchains", providing the underlying framework that supports Layer 1 blockchains. Layer 0 is important for facilitating interoperability and communication between different blockchain networks. It's intended to address the blockchain trilemma, a challenge where developers face a tradeoff between scalability, decentralization, and security. By providing a universal framework for multiple blockchains, Layer 0 strives to establish a network of blockchains that can work together, despite having different protocols. This foundational layer is not part of the blockchain architecture itself, but supports it, providing the necessary groundwork for blockchain protocols and applications to operate.

HOPR uses a distinct consensus mechanism that is neither Proof of Stake (PoS) nor Proof of Work (PoW). It operates on a specially designed protocol with the intention of enhancing privacy and data protection. This protocol seeks to add a layer of privacy and security by masking the metadata of data packets transmitted over the network. It's worth mentioning that while PoS and PoW are the most prevalent consensus mechanisms in the digital asset world, they are not the only ones. Various projects, like HOPR, have created their own distinct protocols to fulfill their specific needs and goals.

Proof of Relay is a unique mechanism used by HOPR to ensure that nodes in its network properly perform their task of relaying data. This mechanism aims to maintain honesty among participants without explicitly tracking and checking on everyone, thereby preserving the privacy that is central to HOPR's design. In the Proof of Relay system, each node in the network is reliant on the other for non-monetary rewards. This is achieved through a cryptographic technique where a non-monetary reward is generated for each node in the chain and locked with a cryptographic key. As data passes along the chain, consecutive pairs of nodes swap key halves with each other. This encourages everyone to adhere to the rules as neither node can claim any non-financial incentives unless they swap key halves. This system is designed to encourage cooperation among nodes, aligning the incentives of all participants.

Cover Traffic in HOPR is a feature that aims to maintain a consistent level of traffic in the network, thereby striving to provide a layer of privacy for users. It operates by circulating arbitrary data through the network, which is indistinguishable from "real" data packets. This arbitrary data, also known as "cover traffic", serves as a shield for legitimate packets, making it challenging for potential adversaries to associate users with their traffic, particularly during periods of lower usage. The data packets circulated as cover traffic function similarly to normal packets, but they do not contain any meaningful content. This mechanism is integrated with a participation system, where a node's likelihood of being selected to relay cover traffic is proportional to their level of participation. This participation is acknowledged in the network, recognizing users for their involvement.

Yes, HOPR tokens can be staked. The HOPR protocol operates a peer-to-peer network where users can stake their HOPR tokens to receive non-monetary incentives. By running a HOPR node and relaying data, users can receive HOPR tokens. The staking process involves locking HOPR tokens into the user's node. The staking program operates in seasons, each with a start and end time. During this period, the staked tokens are locked and cannot be recovered until the staking season ends. However, non-financial incentives can be claimed at any time after they start accruing. The incentives are provided in wxHOPR, the wrapped HOPR token used in HOPR nodes. These incentives can be converted to xHOPR and restaked.