Which one of you did this?
Abstract:
A purely peer-to-peer version of decentralized file storage would allow image files—specifically pictures of cats and monkeys—to be uploaded, shared, and verified directly between users without relying on centralized servers. While digital signatures ensure authenticity and ownership of JPEGs, the system’s full potential is only realized when it eliminates the need for a trusted third party to manage storage or prevent duplication.
We propose a solution to the duplicate-upload problem using a peer-to-peer network that timestamps and stores image file metadata by hashing them into an immutable, chained log using proof-of-storage. This chain forms a verifiable and tamper-resistant ledger of cat and monkey JPEGs. The longest, most replicated chain serves as proof of both popularity and commitment of storage resources.
As long as honest nodes contribute more disk space and bandwidth than malicious ones, the network can maintain consensus on the most complete and authentic collection of feline and primate imagery. The protocol requires minimal central coordination; nodes may join or leave at will, and automatically sync to the most validated collection upon rejoining—ensuring no cat or monkey is left behind.
