Anonymity networks

Lokinet

Lokinet is the onion-routed anonymity network underpinning Session messenger.

Website

lokinet.org

KYC

no KYC — Onion-routed network operated by the Oxen service-node network. No accounts at the protocol layer.

Status

active

Fiat on-ramp

no

Payment

donation

Jurisdiction

independent open source (Oxen Project)

Founded

2018

Open source

yes

Custodial

no

Last verified

May 12, 2026

Sources

2

Overview

Strengths

• IP-level anonymity protocol — supports any TCP/UDP application, not just web browsing.
• Service-node operator economics (Oxen-staked) is a structural difference from Tor's volunteer-relay model.
• Used as the transport for Session messenger.

Caveats

• Smaller user base than Tor; anonymity set is correspondingly smaller.
• Service-node centralization is the dual of decentralized funding — there are fewer routing operators.
• Outproxy support is limited; mostly used for in-network destinations or as a transport for specific apps.

Verdict

Lokinet is the onion-routed anonymity network underpinning Session messenger. IP-level routing means it transports anything, not just HTTP. Best fit when you need application-protocol-agnostic routing or when you're already using Session and want to understand the transport.

FAQ

Does Lokinet require KYC?

As of May 12, 2026, Lokinet does not require KYC for normal use. Onion-routed network operated by the Oxen service-node network. No accounts at the protocol layer.

What payment methods does Lokinet accept?

Lokinet accepts: donation.

Where is Lokinet based?

Operating jurisdiction listed as independent open source (Oxen Project). This is best-known information; corporate structure can be opaque.

Sources

1. Oxen — Lokinet documentation · accessed May 12, 2026
2. Lokinet source · accessed May 12, 2026

Mentioned in

Alternatives to Lokinet

• I2P none kyc · independent

Entry last verified May 12, 2026. Notice an error? Send it via the contact form.