Feature: TorChat high-latency relay

[GoogleCodeExporter]

This is not a defect but an enhancement proposal.

This would be a really cool and unique feature of TorChat if implemented. It is 
intended to make TorChar mimic the functionality of secure anonymous e-mail.

Because of the high latency message storage of e-mail, it is resistant to 
traffic analysis, something that Tor normally is not. However, if messages 
between two TorChat nodes are routed through a third "storage/relay" TorChat 
node, then TorChat will be able to offer both the convenience of email-like 
functionality, and protection from traffic analysis. What is needed is just an 
efficient system of automatic routing through a storage node to the desired 
recipient, with choices to enable either delivery when the recipient comes 
online, or after a predefined time delay. The sender does not have to be online 
at the time. 

The user should be able to configure whether to allow his node to act as a 
storage/relay node, and with whom. Whereas the choice of recipient(s) should 
remain in the hands of the sender, of course.

The storage node may or may not be trusted by the sender or recipient. All 
stored messages/files should be encrypted (optionally symmetrically) and wiped 
after delivery, or after an expiry time.

Thanks for considering!

Hazem

Original issue reported on code.google.com by hazem.bi...@gmail.com on 30 Dec 2010 at 8:13

[GoogleCodeExporter]

i cannot promise that this will be implemented soon. A robust and elegant and 
simple to use(!) solution is harder that it might seem. Currently the protocol 
is extremely simple and straightforward and was very easy to implement, but 
designing such a routing protocol (and testing and debugging it) might bee a 
bit too much for this little project (and my resources).

But I am still thinking about it. Maybe I will have a new Idea for something 
like this while implementing the multi-user chat and the chat server 
functionality in each client.

Original comment by prof7...@gmail.com on 30 Dec 2010 at 10:34

• Added labels: Type-Enhancement

[GoogleCodeExporter]

I look forward to the new features. The enhancement I suggested would be nice 
in the medium-term if not the short term. In any case we are grateful for your 
efforts.

Original comment by hazem.bi...@gmail.com on 31 Dec 2010 at 4:28

[GoogleCodeExporter]

You might want to check the smallsister.org project for some reusable code.

Original comment by hazem.bi...@gmail.com on 31 Dec 2010 at 4:35