PirateBox!!
PirateBox is a DIY anonymous offline file-sharing and communications system built with free software and inexpensive off-the-shelf hardware.
What is a PirateBox?
PirateBox creates offline wireless networks designed for anonymous file sharing, chatting, message boarding, and media streaming. You can think of it as your very own portable offline Internet in a box!
How does it work?
When users join the PirateBox wireless network and open a web browser, they are automatically redirected to the PirateBox welcome page. Users can anonymously chat, post images or comments on the bulletin board, watch or listen to streaming media, or upload and download files inside their web browser to share with the community.
Where can I buy a PirateBox?
You can by one already built here, or you can build one yourself by Visiting the PirateBox OpenWrt DIY page for detailed instructions and more info.
For the less coders or you just don't have time to figure this out. I'll build one for you.
This one is on the TP-Link TL-MR3040 wireless router and follows what I found to be the best way of building one. Placing the web site on a external drive for more space and having a built in power source.
Is it safe?
PirateBox is designed to be private and secure. No logins are required and no user data is logged. Users remain anonymous – the system is purposely not connected to the Internet in order to subvert tracking and preserve user privacy. The main reason of having such a network is to share with your friends! Your fiends have to be within 50 feet of you in most uses. So how safe are your friends!
PirateBox Version 1.0
PirateBox 1.0 brings several new features including: Responsive web design for ease of use with phones and tablets; UPnP Media Server for local streaming of movies and songs; Image and Message Board for 4chan-like functionality; Chat room for anonymous communications; Browser-based file sharing system!
Can I modify my PirateBox?
Absolutely! PirateBox is free (as in freedom) because it is registered under the GNU GPLv3. This license grants you the right to freely copy, distribute, and transform creative works according to the principles of copyleft. You can learn more about modding your PirateBox by visiting the mods page and the PirateBox Forum.
Where can I read more about the PirateBox?
Visit the PirateBox Press page for a listing of and links to more than 175 stories about PirateBox.
Does the PirateBox promote stealing?
No. The PirateBox is designed to facilitate communication and sharing between friends and local community members.
What are some ways the PirateBox has been used?
Along with offline file sharing, media streaming, and community building, the PirateBox has been used by musicians to share their music at festivals and gigs, by teachers to distribute and collect digital materials from students, by emergency response workers and volunteers to publish local first aid information and community updates. It has also been used by librarians and writers to collect, store, and distribute electronic texts, by conference organizers to distribute conference materials and to provide local wireless commenting during presentations. PirateBox has also been used by coworkers collaborating on projects, and by CryptoParty workshop leaders to securely share cryptographic keys. PirateBox has been used on Wildland Fires to share PDF maps and GPS data.
Who helps build the PirateBox?
PirateBox was created by David Darts and the lead developer is Matthias Strubel. Aaron Williamson from the Software Freedom Law Center provided advice on the project and Christiane Ruetten originally ported PirateBox to OpenWrt. The project is actively supported by developers and testers all over the world.