Berlin, Germany: A groundbreaking decentralized radio station, CarnationFM, has emerged from EthBerlin 2024, offering an innovative approach to encrypted communication. This unique platform allows songs to carry hidden messages, seamlessly blending music with secure, anonymous messaging. Developed by five hackers and a mentor, CarnationFM serves as a robust, decentralized tool for private communication, safeguarding user anonymit.This pioneering project clinched the Best Social Impact award at EthBerlin 2024, emphasizing real-world applications with a strong focus on privacy, particularly in light of the Alexey Perstev verdict. Perstev, a co-founder of Tornado Cash, was sentenced to 64 months in prison in May, sending shockwaves through the decentralized community. His conviction highlighted the potential liability of coders for the misuse of their open-source software, as Tornado Cash was implicated in laundering millions for North Korea’s Lazarus Group.

Inspired by a Historical Uprising

CarnationFM’s name, “Broadcast for a Liberated Future,” resonates with cultural and historical significance. It draws inspiration from Portugal’s Carnation Revolution, which marked the end of Europe’s longest dictatorship 50 years ago. This revolution began with the broadcasting of two specific songs, signaling the start and confirmation of the uprising. Civilians celebrated by placing carnations in soldiers’ guns, symbolizing a peaceful overthrow. MF, one of the co-creators, explained, “The revolution started through the broadcasting of two specific songs via a radio broadcast, initiating the revolution. That’s why we chose ‘carnation’ as the name.”

How It Works

CarnationFM operates on the Ethereum blockchain using Swarm, a decentralized data storage solution. “Anyone can listen to or download the music, but only those with a public key can decipher the encrypted messages embedded within the songs,” MF stated. The process, detailed on GitHub, requires the key and the song’s playtime to be shared with the receiver beforehand. This method allows the transmission of messages up to 250 kilobytes per minute, hidden beneath the music.

Future Prospects

While the creators are eager to further develop CarnationFM, they are constrained by resources and are seeking support. “We are researching how to apply similar encryption to sound waves for analog transmission,” MF said. “Theoretically, this could enable Morse code encryption, allowing more information to be shared without downloading.” They are also exploring the potential for encrypting messages within videos for platforms like YouTube or television broadcasts.

CarnationFM stands as a testament to the innovative spirit of the decentralized community, offering a secure, creative solution for encrypted communication through the universal medium of music.