Robin Linus Unveils ‘BitStream’: A Revolutionary File Hosting Model Utilizing Bitcoin’s Atomic Swaps

Bitcoin researcher Robin Linus, known for his innovative contributions to the Bitcoin blockchain, is stirring excitement once again with a ground-breaking proposal for decentralized file hosting, leveraging Bitcoin payments for incentivization. This new concept, titled “BitStream,” builds on his prior work with “BitVM,” which introduced Ethereum-style smart contracts to Bitcoin’s framework.

Key Highlights:

• Robin Linus’ Background: A core contributor to ZeroSync, Linus is renowned for his work in developing zero-knowledge proofs for Bitcoin. His latest proposal titled “BitStream” follows his notable “BitVM” paper.
• The BitStream Proposal: The core idea of BitStream is the creation of an open market for content hosting through an atomic swap of coins for files. This proposal aims to leverage Bitcoin’s robust network for decentralized file storage.
• Innovative Payment Mechanism: Utilizing payment channels like Lightning, BitStream suggests a model where servers charge for each file download. This approach is designed to manage overhead costs efficiently, especially in scenarios of high download volumes.
• Security and Trust Features: Linus emphasizes the security aspect in BitStream, where encrypted files come with a fraud-proof mechanism. A bond contract is suggested to ensure clients receive the exact file they paid for, or have options to address discrepancies.
• Off-Chain Efficiency: Echoing the approach in the BitVM paper, BitStream also proposes carrying out transactions or computations off-chain to prevent clogging the network. On-chain actions are reserved for verification or dispute resolution.
• Community Reception and Potential Integration: The response on X (formerly Twitter) to Linus’s proposal has been positive, with discussions about integrating BitStream and BitVM for enhanced efficiency in both storage space and execution time.
• Comparison with Existing Solutions: Addressing queries about the uniqueness of BitStream, Linus succinctly attributes its advantage to its foundation on the Bitcoin network, distinguishing it from prior storage-centric cryptocurrencies.

Upcoming Event:
Linus is expected to further discuss and detail this proposal at the “10 Years of Decentralizing the Future” conference scheduled for May 29-31, 2024, in Austin, Texas. This event is noted as a significant hub for crypto, blockchain, and Web3 innovations.

This development by Robin Linus marks another step forward in the evolving landscape of blockchain technology, particularly in its application to decentralized file hosting and the broader potential of Bitcoin beyond just a cryptocurrency.