1. Goal
Development of an interactive online course that:
- Teaches users how to counter censorship, AI surveillance, and metadata analysis.
- Prepares the audience for effective use of Nym VPN through practical exercises.
- Rewards participants with discount/trial vouchers for Nym VPN upon successful completion.
2. Detailed Work Plan
2.1. Development of the Educational Program
Level 1: Privacy Fundamentals in the AI Era
- Lectures on AI surveillance mechanisms (metadata collection, predictive analytics).
- Examples of censorship in different countries (Iran, China, Russia, Ukraine).
- Introduction to Nym VPN: architecture, advantages over conventional VPNs.
- Formats: expert video interviews, text guides, tests with automated verification.
Level 2: Technical Level — Working with Nym VPN
- Setting up Nym VPN on Windows, Linux, and Android.
- Using mixnet to bypass DPI (Deep Packet Inspection).
- Anonymous payments via zk-nyms.
- Practice: virtual labs, quests to create a secure route through Nym VPN.
Level 3: Hackathon “Privacy Guardians”
- Task: Developing a tool to test network performance and internet speed in selected regions or a tool that shows what information an ISP can see with and without Nym VPN.
- Evaluation Criteria: code review by Nym mentors, community voting.
2.2. Voucher System Integration
- Automated issuance of 30% discount vouchers or trial access to Nym VPN after course completion or participation in the hackathon.
- Technical implementation: API for generating unique codes, integration with Nym’s payment system.
3. Localization and Adaptation
- Course Translation: 10 languages, including Ukrainian, Arabic, Persian, and Chinese.
- Partnerships: Collaboration with Access Now, online workshops for activists.
4. Testing and Implementation
4.1. Pilot Launch
- Target audience: 500 participants (Ukraine, Turkey, Iran).
- Effectiveness assessment: surveys, analysis of voucher usage.
4.2. Program Adjustments
- Content updates based on changes in censorship technologies.
- Addition of new modules (e.g., protection against phishing attacks via VPN).
5. Support and Development
- Knowledge Hub: database of guides, forum for discussing censorship cases.
- Mentorship System: experienced graduates become mentors, mentor ranking with NYM token rewards.
- Monthly Expenses: payment for hosting and the use of a course builder platform.
6. Expected Results
- For users: 80% of participants acquire basic censorship resistance skills, 40% activate Nym VPN vouchers.
- For Nym: growth in the number of active VPN users in censored regions, formation of a community of experts.
7. Final Notes
- The proposal may be supplemented with technical improvements (e.g., integration with NymHUB).
- Open to discussions on implementation and partnerships!
- The author has experience in creating an educational course on privacy in Web3 using open-source information for Web3Privacy: https://academy.web3privacy.info/