Zero-Knowledge created its system explicitly to prevent such disclosures. While other anonymous services exist, they typically offer only anonymous e-mail. Freedom.net goes beyond that. The downside to Freedom.net is slower Web performance since it actually reroutes data packets through its own network. But Hill argues that the performance hit for users is minimal.
Customers can use between one and three servers to make the data they send anonymous.
The more servers used, the harder it is for an outside agency to track the data, but the slower the performance. Creating such a network was not easy. The project was supposed to be completed last December, but delays and new features pushed back the release. Zero-Knowledge intends to slowly ramp up its network, allowing no more than 10,000 new users per week. Of course, that limit may not be reached, but the beta program drew 15,000 users, and another 70,000 signed up on the list of interested participants.