What is the new Nostr VPN launched by Martti Malmi?

Martti Malmi launched a new version of Nostr VPN that replaces traditional account systems with cryptographic public keys. The project aims to create a more decentralised and privacy-focused alternative to conventional VPN services.

Why is Martti Malmi important in Bitcoin history?

Malmi, also known as “Sirius,” was one of Satoshi Nakamoto’s earliest collaborators between 2009 and 2011. He helped build Bitcoin’s first graphical interface, co-managed Bitcoin.org and co-founded the Bitcointalk forum.

How is Nostr VPN different from traditional VPNs?

Traditional VPN providers usually rely on centralised servers and account systems tied to email addresses or company-managed logins. Nostr VPN instead uses Nostr cryptographic keys and peer-to-peer networking to reduce reliance on centralised infrastructure.

What is Nostr and why is it connected to Bitcoin?

Nostr is a decentralised communication protocol designed for censorship-resistant messaging and identity systems. It has become popular within Bitcoin communities because it aligns with decentralisation and self-sovereign identity principles.

Why are decentralised VPNs becoming more popular?

Privacy-conscious users increasingly want alternatives to centralised internet infrastructure controlled by large companies. Decentralised VPNs aim to improve censorship resistance, privacy and resilience by using peer-to-peer encrypted networking.

How does the Nostr VPN handle failed connections?

Malmi said the updated version includes Nostr-based multihop routing as a fallback system. This helps maintain connectivity when direct peer-to-peer connections between devices are unavailable.

What are the benefits of using cryptographic public keys instead of email logins?

Public key-based systems remove the need for centralised authentication providers and reduce personal data collection. This can improve privacy and reduce the risk of account compromise tied to traditional username-password systems.

Are decentralised VPNs safer than traditional VPN providers?

Decentralised VPNs can reduce reliance on a single company controlling user traffic and data. However, security still depends on implementation quality, network reliability and how well the encryption systems are maintained.

Image for illustrative purposes only. Not a real photo.

Early Bitcoin developer launches Nostr-based privacy VPN

Written by Isaac FrancisPublished May. 21 2026Last Updated May. 21 2026

Martti Malmi, one of Satoshi Nakamoto’s earliest collaborators, has launched a new privacy-focused version of Nostr VPN that replaces traditional account systems with cryptographic public keys.

Malmi said the updated VPN includes a multiplatform interface for managing settings across devices alongside Nostr-based multihop routing designed to maintain connectivity when direct peer-to-peer connections fail.

The project removes reliance on email addresses and third-party authentication providers by using Nostr cryptographic keys for identity and access management.

Virtual private networks, or VPNs, encrypt internet traffic and conceal users’ IP addresses, but many traditional VPN providers still rely on centralised servers and company-controlled infrastructure.

Supporters of decentralised VPN systems argue that peer-to-peer encrypted networking can reduce censorship risks and improve user privacy by limiting centralised points of control.

Bitcoin advocate Swiss Hodler described decentralised VPNs as “freedom technology” that makes online censorship more difficult by removing reliance on centralised infrastructure.

Malmi, also known as “Sirius,” helped build Bitcoin’s early ecosystem between 2009 and 2011, contributing to Bitcoin’s first graphical interface, co-managing Bitcoin.org and co-founding the Bitcointalk forum.

The launch comes amid broader growth in decentralised privacy infrastructure, with projects including ZeroTier, Yggdrasil and Nebula also developing peer-to-peer encrypted networking alternatives to conventional VPN services.

At the time of reporting, Bitcoin price was $77,997.54.