Nym Transfer: A Private, Secure File-Sharing Platform Built on Nym Mixnet

:lock: NymTransfer A Privacy-First File Sharing Platform


:bulb: Overview

:o: Purpose of the Project

NymTransfer aims to create a user-friendly, privacy-focused file-sharing platform powered by the Nym Mixnet infrastructure. By integrating Nym’s decentralized technology, NymTransfer ensures end-to-end traffic privacy, protecting both user data and metadata throughout the entire file-sharing process.

Inspired by the simplicity of platforms like WeTransfer, NymTransfer preserves the convenience users expect while embedding robust privacy features at its core. As a result, it aligns closely with the mission of the Nym Innovation Fund to support real-world applications that showcase Nym’s unique capacity to safeguard online interactions.

:dart: Stepping Stone to a Bigger Vision

While file sharing is an immediate, practical use case, NymTransfer also serves as a stepping stone toward creating more advanced services on the Nym network. By starting with a WeTransfer-style platform—which can be built more quickly—we gain direct experience with the Nym Mixnet and learn how to fully utilize its privacy features.

This knowledge will set the stage for future offerings, such as NymDrop or NymDrive, that provide Dropbox-like functionality with the added benefit of a secure, privacy-first design powered by Nym.


:coin: Funding Request

NymTransfer is a privacy-focused file-sharing platform leveraging Nym Mixnet technology to ensure robust anonymity and confidentiality throughout the file transfer process.

Overview

Project: NymTransfer
Milestone: :1st_place_medal: First Milestone

With this proposal, we request 120,000 NYM to cover critical expenses for achieving our first milestone, which focuses on delivering:

  • A stable backend infrastructure
  • A user-friendly frontend
  • Strong initial development to create the foundation for NymTransfer’s core functionalities

:building_construction: Milestone 1: Scope & Deliverables

:wrench: Backend Development & Hosting

  • Dedicated Server: Approximately 1,600 NYM/month, ensuring robust performance for concurrent uploads and downloads.
  • Mixnet Integration: Seamless routing of all network packages through Nym’s Mixnet, providing maximum privacy and improved speed.

:computer: Frontend Development & Hosting

  • Dedicated Frontend Server: Approximately 800 NYM/month to ensure reliability and scalability for user-facing services.
  • UI/UX Enhancements: Collaboration with a dedicated UI/UX designer to improve the user experience, focusing on intuitive workflows for file uploads, link generation, and sharing.

:art: Sneak Peek of UI Design

Here’s a preview of the user interface design for NymTransfer, showcasing the focus on simplicity, usability, and privacy:

:hammer: Core Development

Total Development Cost: 75,000 NYM

The core development focuses on building essential features for NymTransfer, ensuring privacy, efficiency, and scalability:

:one:. File Upload: Develop secure and private workflows for uploading files through the Nym Mixnet.
:two:. File Download: Implement seamless and private file downloads with robust error handling.
:three:. Encrypted Link Generation: Create secure, time-restricted links for file access.
:four:. Enhanced File Management: Add features for managing files, including deletion and metadata protection.
:six:. Tech Debt Resolution: Address technical debt for long-term platform stability.
:seven:. Testing: Perform integration and performance tests to validate workflows and ensure reliability.

:framed_picture: Infrastructure Diagram

:art: Design Partnership

  • UI/UX Designer: 10,000 NYM to create a polished, professional interface that streamlines workflows and enhances user satisfaction.

:bank: Unexpected Vault

  • Contingency Fund: Allocating 5%–10% of the total funds (6,000–12,000 NYM) for unforeseen development costs, including:
    • Additional security audits
    • Operational expansions
    • Unexpected technical challenges

:moneybag: Total Request: 120,000 NYM

This funding will enable the successful completion of the first milestone, establishing the foundation for a secure, user-friendly, and privacy-first file-sharing platform powered by Nym’s Mixnet technology.


:bowing_man: Team

Amorf
  • Role & Background: Early supporter of Nym since the 2020 incentivized testnet, and a software developer actively collaborating with Hoodrun since 2022.
  • Notable Work: Contributions include developing various Web3 tools, indexers, cosmos explorers, and Telegram bots. Maintains a strong focus on privacy technologies and open-source ecosystems.
  • GitHub: github.com/amorfc
Errorist
  • Role & Background: Tech Lead at Hoodrun with deep expertise in cutting-edge technologies.
  • Notable Work: Oversees development of advanced Web3 solutions, blockchain indexers, and high-performance architectures. Plays a key role in product vision and technical direction.
  • GitHub: github.com/Errorist79
Onur
  • Role & Background: Senior Backend Developer and music producer, passionate about open-source projects.
  • Notable Work: Dedicated to building robust, scalable backend systems and ensuring best software practices. Champions seamless integrations and efficient system performance.
  • GitHub: github.com/onurkybsi

Together, we have a full range of technical and operational capabilities to develop, scale, and maintain our privacy-centric file-sharing application using Nym’s infrastructure. Our combined experience in privacy tech, Web3, and backend development allows us to deliver a secure, high-performance solution. Each of us is committed to open-source principles, and we believe this project will significantly contribute to Nym’s ecosystem.

If there is any additional information or further clarifications required about our team, we will be glad to provide them.


:chart_with_upwards_trend: Future Plans

Currently, NymTransfer operates without an authentication mechanism, as traditional Web2 structures contradict our privacy-first philosophy. However, this presents challenges in monetizing the platform effectively. To address this, we propose:

  • File Size and Type Restrictions: Limiting file sizes to 1GB initially and potentially restricting certain file types (e.g., restricting extensions like .txt) to manage bandwidth and storage costs effectively.
  • Wallet-Based Authentication: Exploring authentication via Cosmos wallets or other blockchain wallets that ensure metadata privacy. This approach allows users to pay for bandwidth or additional storage without compromising privacy.

We believe these ideas should be further discussed and refined with input from the community and the Nym team to align with our shared vision for a privacy-focused future.


:trophy: Why NymTransfer?

Feature WeTransfer Firefox Send NymTransfer
Metadata Privacy :x: :x: :white_check_mark: (Nym Mixnet)
E2EE :x: :white_check_mark: :white_check_mark: + decentralized storage (Milestone 2)
Censorship Resistance :x: :x: :white_check_mark: (IPFS/Filecoin) (Milestone 2/3)

We’re excited to contribute to the NYM ecosystem by building a user-friendly, privacy-focused public good service. We welcome feedback and ideas from the community—not just for Milestone 1, but for all future milestones.

Thank you for reviewing our proposal. Your insights will help us create a platform that truly embodies NYM’s mission.

The NymTransfer Team

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