# Lokinet

> Source: https://fuckyc.org/services/lokinet/
> Website: https://lokinet.org/
> Categories: Anonymity networks
> KYC: none — Onion-routed network operated by the Oxen service-node network. No accounts at the protocol layer.
> Status: active
> Jurisdiction: independent open source (Oxen Project)
> Fiat on-ramp: no
> Payment methods: donation
> Founded: 2018
> Open source: yes
> Custodial: no
> Last verified: 2026-05-12

## Verdict

Lokinet is the onion-routed anonymity network underpinning Session messenger. IP-level routing means it transports anything, not just HTTP. Best fit when you need application-protocol-agnostic routing or when you're already using Session and want to understand the transport.

## Strengths

- IP-level anonymity protocol — supports any TCP/UDP application, not just web browsing.
- Service-node operator economics (Oxen-staked) is a structural difference from Tor's volunteer-relay model.
- Used as the transport for Session messenger.

## Caveats

- Smaller user base than Tor; anonymity set is correspondingly smaller.
- Service-node centralization is the dual of decentralized funding — there are fewer routing operators.
- Outproxy support is limited; mostly used for in-network destinations or as a transport for specific apps.

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## What Lokinet is

An IP-level onion-routed anonymity network maintained by the Oxen Project, with service-node operators staked in OXEN.

## Threat-model fit

App-protocol-agnostic anonymity routing, or as the transport layer behind Session.

## Sources

- [Oxen — Lokinet documentation](https://docs.oxen.io/about-the-oxen-blockchain/oxen-service-nodes/lokinet) — accessed 2026-05-12
- [Lokinet source](https://github.com/oxen-io/lokinet) — accessed 2026-05-12