We welcome our readers. Our team conducted an interview with the Germania administrator. We have selected the most interesting questions for the owner, and we are grateful that he took the time to answer them for us.
My decision to administer a darknet forum was inspired by my early experiences in the darknet community. I closely observed the evolution of this space, beginning with the establishment of the first darknet forum in the German scene, Deutschland im DeepWeb (DiDW), founded by "luckyspax" in 2013. Following its closure and the subsequent emergence of DiDW 3, which was administered by an individual known as "sudo", I recognized the need for a new platform after its closure by the BKA in 2022. This motivated me to create a successor that would prioritize high security and user anonymity. I drew inspiration from Poland's largest and longest-standing community, Cebulka, and collaborated with its administrator, Ralts, who had previously been my trusted business partner. We combined with my knowledge of the scene to establish the Germania forum.
Germania is built upon the foundation of Cebulka, sharing the same source code while maintaining distinct infrastructures. It is an example of a Software-as-a-Service model, providing access to an administrative panel, with Ralts work as the technical administrator. Key features of Germania include:
- Anonymity preservation: Germania enforces access through .onion address, ensuring user anonymity with battle-tested Tor network, especially in an environment where VPN services give false sense of security and compromise privacy.
- PGP authentication: We utilize PGP authentication, which enhances security beyond standard password-based authentication, mitigating risks associated with brute force and phishing attacks. No user passwords which sometimes can be too unique and therefore trackable.
- End-to-End encryption: All private messages are encrypted using PGP, minimizing the risk of sensitive data exposure and ensuring secure communication.
- Germania Escrow system: Our walletless automatic escrow system, based on Monero cryptocurrency, eliminates account balances and enhances transaction anonymity, providing a seamless experience for customers and vendors.
- Simplistic design: Cebulka engine is an actively developed fork based on well-audited PunBB and requires no use of Javascript.
Our team comprises experienced moderators with many years of expertise, and the solid engine of Cebulka forum which has been operational since 2013. Anonymity and security remain our top priorities.
Germania is a safe place for people to express themselves and trade products anonymously. Users can talk about many topics, including computer security and other general interests. This platform creates a space where people can share ideas and information freely without worrying about negative consequences.
The primary motivation for creating Germania was to establish a secure alternative in a landscape filled with forums and marketplaces that often compromise user security. I aimed to address the prevalent low security standards that put users at risk.
To me, this forum represents a commitment and responsibility to our users. With the continued support of Cebulka, I am dedicated to advancing this project indefinitely.
I consider myself fortunate to have a highly experienced and professional partner by my side. Managing a forum or marketplace demands extensive knowledge and expertise, and I would not recommend such a venture to beginners. While the public may not see it, forums and marketplaces are constantly under threat from hackers and law enforcement. Much of the work occurs behind the scenes.
One of the biggest challenges has been getting the German community to focus on security issues. For many users, having to register on Germania using PGP is a big obstacle. Sadly, some people in the German scene are too relaxed and unaware, often choosing less secure forums that use JavaScript. Many are not familiar with PGP encryption and instead use unsafe ways to send data. Even though we provide a very secure environment, many users and vendors still use unsafe clearnet forums, which is confusing.
Strengthening the German community.
Protecting users through a secure platform.
Promoting awareness of security practices.
No, I have consistently adhered to my principles.
I regard constructive criticism as a vital component of our growth and development. Honest feedback enables us to adapt and refine our processes. We have established a dedicated section for feedback and criticism, allowing users to express their thoughts and suggestions freely at any time.
One of the most valuable aspects of this role has been the opportunity to foster a secure community, which has enriched my understanding of user needs and security practices. Collaborating with my partner, Ralts, has also been instrumental in enhancing my professional skills and knowledge.
I take great pride in having established a secure community that prioritizes user safety and anonymity. This achievement reflects our commitment to creating a trustworthy environment for our users.
The meaning of my life is rooted in my dedication to building and maintaining a secure community that empowers individuals to express themselves freely while prioritizing their safety and privacy.
As our forum is still in its early stages, there have not been many unusual cases to report. However, we have encountered a user within the German scene known for disruptive behavior. This individual has attempted to spread misinformation and create issues using various accounts. Our moderators are diligent in addressing and removing any spam or disruptive content.
Both discipline and a comfortable environment are important for a successful team. It’s essential to have experienced and loyal team members, which can be hard to find. I am proud to say that I am very happy with my moderators because a strong and effective team is key to the forum's success.
I consider honesty and reliability to be my most important personal qualities. These traits help build trust and integrity in the community.
Yes, I am very satisfied with our current achievements and the progress we have made.
No, I am content with my current path and the direction in which I am heading.
No, I have not felt the desire to give up what I'm doing now for something completely different.
No, you have asked a lot of good questions. However, I must note that there are certain topics I cannot discuss for security reasons.
I want to thank all users, vendors, and my moderation team for their constant support since the forum started. Your active participation is vital for our growth. I encourage the German community to learn about security topics like PGP and Whonix/QubesOS and to think about registering with us. Please stay away from clearnet forums and be careful about your security. Germania is dedicated to growing and protecting its users at all times.
You can also visit Germania at
http://germania7zs27fu3gi76wlr5rd64cc2yjexyzvrbm4jufk7pibrpizad.onion
https://germania.so
https://daunt.link/view/Germania
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