Storage layer

Data at rest is a liability. The storage layer makes sure no single place holds anything readable.

Fragment, distribute, reconstruct#

1. 1
   Encrypt locally

   Data is encrypted on the device with a key that never leaves it.

2. 2
   Fragment

   The ciphertext is split into fragments with redundancy, so a subset is enough to rebuild it and losing some nodes does no harm.

3. 3
   Distribute

   Fragments are placed on different nodes, operators and regions. No node holds enough to reconstruct anything.

4. 4
   Reconstruct on demand

   Only the owner of the key collects enough fragments and decrypts, and only when the data is needed.

Retention#

Fragments carry an expiry. Data that is not renewed by its owner is dropped. Ephemeral by default means users choose what to keep, rather than the network keeping everything.

Uses#

• Encrypted message delivery for offline recipients.
• Small encrypted backups, such as wallet settings or contact lists.
• Configuration that short-lived instances need when they start.