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.

Mask Network aims to bridge the gap between Web 2.0 and Web 3.0 by integrating with popular online platforms through an open-sourced browser extension. This integration aims to allow users to interact with Web3 applications while using familiar Web 2.0 sites. Mask Network intends to improve user interaction by enabling encrypted messaging, social trading tools, and on-chain profile verification. Users can engage with NFTs directly from these platforms. Mask Network intends to develop a Web3 dApplet store that aims to facilitate the integration, display, and interaction of any content on existing online platforms. This includes sending encrypted messages and engaging with DeFi and NFTs.

Mask Network strives to offer users a method that prioritizes privacy when interacting on the internet. It employs advanced cryptography techniques to encrypt messages and transactions, with the intention of maintaining user data privacy. Once a user installs the Mask extension or downloads the app and connects their accounts, they can send encrypted messages, make transactions, trade tokens, and access decentralized applications without leaving the Mask Network ecosystem. This system is structured with the intention of enabling users to manage their online interactions and data privacy. The platform includes a decentralized governance system, which allows users to participate in decision-making processes related to the platform's future development.

Mask Network strives to improve privacy and security for users on online platforms by attempting to bridge the gap between Web 2.0 and Web 3.0. It provides a portal that seeks to enable users to send encrypted messages, engage in digital asset transactions, and even interact with decentralized apps (dApps) on traditional and decentralized digital networks. This is intended to be achieved without the need for APIs or centralized servers, thereby aiming to maintain a strong degree of privacy and security. Mask Network also supports a number of decentralized applications (dApps) and can be used on various online platforms. Upon installation and account connection, users have the potential to engage in various activities such as displaying non-fungible tokens (NFTs), participating in NFT auctions, contributing to grants, and engaging in digital asset transactions via online posts. This approach seeks to reduce centralized gatekeeper control and potentially empower users, with the intention of improving their privacy and security.

The MASK token is the native token of the Mask Network and plays an integral role in the governance of the MaskDAO, the decentralized autonomous organization that oversees the Mask ecosystem. Each MASK token represents one vote in DAO-related events, enabling token holders to participate in decision-making processes. The Mask Network team and ecosystem members intend to explore the development of further blockchain social media products and services, such as the Mask Grant Program, which seeks to allocate resources to projects that could integrate into or contribute to the Mask Network crypto ecosystem. The MASK token was introduced in February 2021 and a total of 100,000,000 MASK tokens were created at genesis. The token serves as a means of governance and represents participation and contribution within the Mask Network ecosystem.

One of the key features of Mask Network is its decentralized identity management. This feature aims to enable users to manage their identities in a decentralized manner. The platform uses advanced cryptographic techniques to create and manage user identities, which are stored on the Ethereum blockchain. This implies that users have complete control over their identity data, and can manage their online identities across multiple dApps and platforms with ease. By decentralizing identity management, Mask Network strives to contribute to efforts aimed at mitigating identity theft and data breaches, with a focus on enhancing privacy online.

The protocol seeks to allow users to send encrypted messages and even cryptocurrencies over digital platforms. Mask Network utilizes cryptography techniques to encrypt messages and transactions, aiming to maintain user data privacy. It intends to facilitate cross-chain transactions for asset transfer across various blockchain networks. This feature is intended to support interoperability and broaden potential use cases of Mask Network.

Mask Network allows users to send encrypted messages, engage in cryptocurrency transactions, and interact with decentralized applications (DApps) directly from these platforms. Mask Network is compatible with a variety of popular online communication platforms. The team behind Mask Network intends to explore compatibility with other platforms. It's important to note that Mask Network is a browser extension that is designed to integrate with your existing online platforms, meaning users are not required to download additional software for Mask Network use.

Personal tokenization is a unique form of tokenization that involves issuing digital tokens representing an individual's value, expertise, or social position. This emerging concept is made possible by blockchain technology, which allows for the creation, storage, and transfer of these digital tokens. Essentially, personal tokenization is a way for individuals to utilize their skills, knowledge, or influence in a new way. For example, an individual could issue their own virtual token and accept tokens in exchange for their services. The value of a personal token may be influenced by various factors, such as a person's social standing, knowledge, and wealth. This form of tokenization is currently under development and it's being considered by a range of individuals. It's important to note that personal tokenization does not constitute an investment opportunity, but rather a unique way for individuals to utilize their personal brand or skills in a unique manner.

The MaskBook browser extension, alternatively referred to as Mask Network, is a tool that strives to improve user interaction by providing additional functionalities. It is designed with a focus on user privacy, collecting only necessary information to refine its services. The extension includes features like Global Backup and Next.ID, which gather specific user data to deliver requested services and improve user interaction. It's important to note that MaskBook is engineered to function in various environments, excluding certain distribution methods. As a browser extension, MaskBook operates in a manner similar to other extensions, using a combination of JavaScript, HTML, and CSS to interact with web page content and modify it to suit user-specific needs or preferences. MaskBook's functionalities include blocking unwanted ads, remembering passwords, finding shopping discounts, and translating web pages into different languages. MaskBook, similar to other browser extensions, aims to improve user interaction with web content by extending the functionality of your browser.