FAQ

General

What is KayakNet?

KayakNet is a privacy-first, decentralized peer-to-peer network that provides anonymous communication, a cryptocurrency marketplace, and decentralized domain names.

Is KayakNet legal?

KayakNet itself is legal software. Like any tool, it can be used for legal or illegal purposes. We do not condone illegal activity.

Is KayakNet like Tor?

Similar concept, different implementation. Both use onion routing for anonymity. KayakNet also includes built-in chat, marketplace, and domain system.

Who created KayakNet?

KayakNet is developed by an anonymous team committed to privacy rights.

Is KayakNet open source?

Yes, KayakNet is released under the MIT License.

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Installation

What operating systems are supported?

• Windows 10+

• Linux (kernel 4.x+)

• macOS 10.14+

• Android 8+

Do I need to install anything else?

No, KayakNet is a single binary with no dependencies.

Why does Windows Defender flag it?

Unsigned Go binaries often trigger false positives. You can safely allow it or build from source.

Can I run multiple nodes?

Yes, use different ports: --listen 0.0.0.0:4243

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Network

How do I connect to KayakNet?

Run the binary with --bootstrap 203.161.33.237:4242

How many peers should I have?

At least 3-5 peers for good connectivity. More is better.

Why is my connection slow?

Onion routing adds latency (~150-300ms). This is the cost of privacy.

Can I run a bootstrap node?

Yes! Contact us to be added to the default list.

How much bandwidth does it use?

Varies by activity. Typical: 100MB-1GB per day.

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Privacy & Security

Is KayakNet anonymous?

Yes, to the extent cryptographically possible. Your IP is hidden via onion routing.

Can my ISP see I'm using KayakNet?

They can see encrypted traffic to KayakNet peers, but not content or destinations.

Is traffic analysis possible?

KayakNet has traffic analysis resistance, but a global adversary could still correlate.

Are my messages encrypted?

Yes, all messages are end-to-end encrypted.

Can KayakNet staff read my messages?

No. There is no "staff" and no backdoors. Only recipients can read messages.

What if I lose my identity key?

You'll appear as a new user. There's no recovery. Back up your keys!

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Chat

How do I join a chat room?

Go to chat.kyk and enter the room name, or use /join #roomname.

Are chat rooms public?

Public rooms are visible to all. Create private rooms for confidential chats.

How long are messages stored?

Messages are stored locally on your device. Set auto-delete for sensitive chats.

Can I send images?

Yes, images are encrypted and shared via the chat interface.

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Marketplace

How do I buy something?

1. Find listing

2. Click Buy

3. Pay to escrow address

4. Wait for delivery

5. Confirm receipt

What cryptocurrencies are accepted?

Monero (XMR) and Zcash (ZEC) only. Bitcoin is not supported due to lack of privacy.

What are the fees?

2.5% platform fee on completed transactions.

How long do I have to pay?

24 hours after creating an order.

What if I don't receive my item?

Open a dispute within 14 days. Funds will be held pending resolution.

How do sellers get paid?

After buyer confirms receipt, or 14 days after shipping (auto-release).

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Escrow

How does escrow work?

Buyer pays to a holding address. Funds are released to seller after buyer confirms receipt.

What if payment isn't detected?

Use "Manual Confirm" and provide the transaction ID.

Can I cancel an order?

Before payment: yes. After payment: only via dispute.

What happens in a dispute?

Both parties provide evidence. Mediators decide who gets the funds.

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Domains

What are .kyk domains?

Decentralized domain names that work within KayakNet.

How much do domains cost?

Free to register (first come, first served).

Do domains expire?

No, domains are permanent once registered.

Can someone take my domain?

Not if you have the private key. No authority can reassign domains.

Do .kyk domains work outside KayakNet?

No, they only resolve through the KayakNet proxy.

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Technical

What language is KayakNet written in?

Go (Golang).

What cryptography does it use?

• Ed25519 (signatures)

• X25519 (key exchange)

• ChaCha20-Poly1305 (encryption)

• BLAKE2b (hashing)

How does peer discovery work?

Kademlia-based DHT, similar to BitTorrent.

What is the message size limit?

1MB for regular messages, larger files via chunking.

Can I use KayakNet programmatically?

Yes, there's a REST API on port 8080.

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Troubleshooting

Node won't start

• Check if port 4242 is in use

• Try a different port with --listen

• Check firewall settings

Can't connect to peers

• Verify bootstrap address

• Check internet connection

• Wait a few minutes for discovery

Browser shows "Proxy Error"

• Ensure node is running

• Check proxy settings (127.0.0.1:8118)

• Try restarting the node

Messages not sending

• Check peer count (need at least 1)

• Verify recipient is online or DHT is working

• Check for error messages in console

Escrow payment not detected

• Wait for confirmations (10 XMR, 6 ZEC)

• Use manual confirmation with TXID

• Verify you sent exact amount

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Contributing

How can I help?

• Report bugs

• Submit code

• Improve documentation

• Help other users

• Run a node

Where do I report bugs?

Open an issue on GitHub or report in chat.kyk.

Is there a bounty program?

Coming soon. Security vulnerabilities should be reported privately.

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Contact

How do I get support?

• Join #help on chat.kyk

• Open GitHub issue

• Check this FAQ

How do I stay updated?

• Watch GitHub repository

• Join #announcements on chat.kyk

• Follow development roadmap