Padding Labs builds friendly apps for the open internet, so your identity, your data, and your name stay yours.
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Petnames: A humane approach to secure, decentralized naming
Names must be human-readable in order to be widely used. Unfortunately, while DIDs and Tor .onion addresses are decentralized and globally unique, they are not human readable. How can we build user interfaces that real users might actually use? In this paper we provide an overview of petname systems, a way of mapping human readable names to cryptographically secure names, and describe changes to two user interface designs that we believe that are compatible with intuitive user expectations. We first discuss the smartphone contact list as already approximating petnames to some degree and discuss how to augment it with secure introduction. We then walk through several changes to browsers (which may be provided natively or as an extension) which add the functionality of a petname system. By utilizing petname systems we are able to collectively support individual naming definitions, community curated directories of names, as well as existing naming authorities such as certificate authorities and the domain name system, government agencies such as trademark offices, and decentralized systems such as Namecoin.
Petnames: A humane approach to secure, decentralized naming
Names must be human-readable in order to be widely used. Unfortunately, while DIDs and Tor .onion addresses are decentralized and globally unique, they are not human readable. How can we build user interfaces that real users might actually use? In this paper we provide an overview of petname systems, a way of mapping human readable names to cryptographically secure names, and describe changes to two user interface designs that we believe that are compatible with intuitive user expectations. We first discuss the smartphone contact list as already approximating petnames to some degree and discuss how to augment it with secure introduction. We then walk through several changes to browsers (which may be provided natively or as an extension) which add the functionality of a petname system. By utilizing petname systems we are able to collectively support individual naming definitions, community curated directories of names, as well as existing naming authorities such as certificate authorities and the domain name system, government agencies such as trademark offices, and decentralized systems such as Namecoin.
Petname Tool: Enabling web site recognition using the existing SSL infrastructure
The existing WWW infrastructure already provides for authentication of web sites. Unfortunately, the advent of phishing has shown that the mainstream user interface to web site authentication is not meaningful to users. This paper proposes a new browser user interface widget, the petname tool, that integrates meaningful authentication information into the browsing workflow.
Data privacy concerns in AI companion apps - Surfshark
As AI grows, digital companions help with loneliness but raise questions about user data privacy. Many seek virtual relationships, but it's important to remember they are business-driven, not personal bonds.
Local-First Software
Experience apps that work offline, keep your data private, and sync seamlessly across your devices. Your data stays with you, not locked in the cloud.
Local-First Software
Experience apps that work offline, keep your data private, and sync seamlessly across your devices. Your data stays with you, not locked in the cloud.
Undocumented Feature
And it doesn't pop up a box every time asking you to use your real name. In fact, there's no way to set your name at all. You just have to keep reminding people who you are.
DuckDuckGo - Protection. Privacy. Peace of mind.
The Internet privacy company that empowers you to seamlessly take control of your personal information online, without any tradeoffs.
feathers.dev - Identity. Data. Realtime. Beyond the Cloud.
Modern web application development with secure user logins, local-first data synchronization and real-time updates. All in one place.
feathers.dev - Identity. Data. Realtime. Beyond the Cloud.
Modern web application development with secure user logins, local-first data synchronization and real-time updates. All in one place.
NetworkChuck Cloud Browser
The ultimate tool for threat research, open-source intelligence (OSINT) collections or accessing those high-risk links. Keep your online activities private and your devices safe from malware.
Lanyards
One link to make your research life easier to share! Papers, talks, affiliations, socials, whatever... Easy, free, decentralised. A dedicated profile for researchers, built on the AT Protocol.
Moonbounce
A browser extension designed to make the internet more fun. Hang with friends, collect loot, and customize your own digital spaces. Anywhere online.
