Yeliz Akmaca 
Today, the internet still relies on a handful of massive corporate servers. As a result, our data lives on their infrastructure, access rules are defined by third parties, and privacy often remains just a promise.
However, Autonomi aims to change this foundation entirely. Instead, it introduces a decentralized, blockchain-free, quantum-secure data layer built around a “pay once, store forever” model.
More importantly, Autonomi is not just a storage network. Rather, it operates as a global, self-governing digital infrastructure that runs without centralized control.
Core Features of Autonomi
Autonomous Network Architecture
Autonomi goes beyond traditional decentralised systems. The network simultaneously behaves like a global compute-capacity marketplace while becoming a native part of the internet itself.
It is permissionless, self-healing, and grows stronger as it scales.
Blockchain-Free Distributed Ledger (DLT)
Data is not stored on a blockchain. Autonomi operates using a blockchainless Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT), enabling:
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no transaction bottlenecks
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organic scalability
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performance that improves as the network grows
This removes many technical limits seen in conventional decentralised storage projects.
Quantum-Secure Encryption
Before any data leaves your device, Autonomi encrypts it automatically. Furthermore, the system applies quantum-resistant cryptography while maintaining end-to-end encryption in transit. Consequently, third parties cannot inspect content, track behavior, or analyze traffic patterns.
Data is also end-to-end encrypted in transit:
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content cannot be inspected
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usage behavior cannot be tracked
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third parties cannot analyze network traffic
You retain cloud convenience — without exposing raw data to the internet.
A Global Network Built from Everyday Devices
Autonomi does not depend solely on massive data centers. From small computers to personal devices, millions of nodes can participate.
This brings environmental efficiency and genuine distributed security. The more devices join, the stronger the network becomes.
Privacy by Default
Privacy is not optional in Autonomi — it is architectural.
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Zero-knowledge design means nodes never know what they store
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data ownership cannot be traced
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browsing and usage patterns remain invisible
Passwords and identity credentials never leave your device. One identity works across unlimited applications.
Your data belongs to you. You decide access.
How Autonomi Works
Autonomi replaces central servers with a self-managing global data layer built on protocols developed by MaidSafe.
The process is simple, yet deep.
First, Autonomi breaks your data into small chunks and encrypts each one locally using keys that never leave your device. Then, the network distributes these encrypted fragments randomly across thousands of nodes while creating multiple redundant copies.
These encrypted pieces are randomly distributed across the network with multiple replicas. Each dataset is protected by its own small node group (“close group”).
Nodes continuously audit one another. Underperforming nodes are automatically removed. New devices join, and data rebalances itself.
The result: a self-governing, fault-tolerant, permanent global storage system.
Pay Once, Store Forever
One of Autonomi’s most radical differences is its payment model.
Users pay once when uploading data. After that:
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access is free
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downloads are free
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no subscriptions
This establishes true data sovereignty. Access is no longer dependent on corporate policies or platform decisions.
Economic balance is maintained through network token rewards distributed to nodes, incentivising capacity providers while keeping the system fully autonomous.
What Does Autonomi Enable?
Through encrypted, distributed, permanent storage, Autonomi supports:
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private cloud alternatives
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censorship-resistant publishing
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direct NFT content storage
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off-chain data layers for blockchains
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personal AI memory and RAG systems
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immutable archives
No server management, vendor lock-in, middle layer.
Just users, devices, and the network.
The Team Behind Autonomi
The project began nearly 18 years ago.
Founder engineer David Irvine envisioned an internet without central servers and established MaidSafe to bring that vision to life. Irvine holds over 40 patents in digital security and networking.
CEO Sarah Buxton brings Web3 scaling experience. Strategy is led by Jim Collinson, focused on human-centred autonomous systems.
Financial and corporate governance is supported by Andy Laverty and David Allan.
Token Utility
ANT powers the autonomous economy of the Autonomi network. Specifically, users spend ANT during uploads, while nodes earn ANT for providing storage and bandwidth. At the same time, the token balances resource allocation across the network and keeps the marketplace functioning autonomously.
İs used for:
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one-time storage payments
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rewarding node operators for bandwidth and storage
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balancing internal resource allocation
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enabling the autonomous marketplace
Key distinction: users only spend ANT during upload. Access afterward remains free.
ANT Supply (CMC Data)
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Total Supply: 1.2B ANT
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Max Supply: 1.2B ANT
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Circulating Supply: 299.59M ANT
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Holders: 66.12K wallets
Only ~25% of supply currently circulates. Remaining unlocks may represent future price pressure.
ANT Token Distribution
Out of 1.2 billion ANT:
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Token Holders (MAID/EMAID + test incentives): 38% — 456M
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Node Emissions: 20% — 240M (over 12 years)
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Autonomi Foundation: 20% (long-term unlock)
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MaidSafe Shareholders: ~18% — 214,748,365
Node rewards are capped at 240M ANT with a 12-year schedule, controlling long-term dilution while preserving network security.
The Autonomi Ecosystem
Autonomi is not a traditional dApp marketplace.
Developers receive core primitives:
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permanent encrypted storage
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content addressing
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serverless backend
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anonymous data access
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device-side execution
Target applications include private-by-design storage, censorship-resistant publishing, NFT content hosting, blockchain off-chain layers, personal AI memory, and immutable archives.
Autonomi is not an app platform.
It aims to become the internet’s data infrastructure.
Official Links
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