The “Cult of the Dead Cow” (cDc), a long-standing US hacktivist group, is set to introduce a groundbreaking privacy framework known as Veilid, aiming to empower users in evading the pervasive reach of targeted advertising and online tracking.
Comprised of notable members including Twitter whistleblower Peiter “Mudge” Zatko and politician Beto O’Rourke, cDc envisions Veilid as an open-source, peer-to-peer, mobile-first networked application framework. Through its website, the group offers information about Veilid, catering to interested users seeking to create private, distributed apps that prioritize privacy, user experience, and safety by enabling opt-out features for data collection and tracking.
Drawing parallels with existing technologies like IPFS and Tor, Veilid distinguishes itself with claims of heightened speed and a ground-up privacy design. It is developed in Rust, incorporating robust encryption, and compatible with diverse platforms, including Linux, Mac, Windows, Android, iOS, and in-browser WebAssembly nodes.
Rejecting the monetization of user interactions, cDc emphasizes a user-centered approach, striving to provide a user-friendly, accessible experience for individuals of varying technical backgrounds. The group is committed to reshaping the Internet landscape by launching Veilid at DEF CON, aiming to present enhanced solutions for online privacy and demonstrating the framework’s potential through presentations on its components like the Veilid server and VeilidChat.
Despite unconventional strategies, cDc intends to respect user privacy even while promoting its cause. Encouraging subscriptions to its newsletter, the group pledges minimal intrusion, promising the deletion of the mailing list after sending just a couple of emails.
The launch of Veilid is poised to mark a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to reclaim control over online experiences and strengthen user privacy in an era where commercialization and tracking have become ubiquitous.
