https://docs.filecoin.io/

Filecoin (⨎) is an open-source, public cryptocurrency and digital payment system intended to be a blockchain-based cooperative digital storage and data retrieval method.[1][2][3][4] It is made by Protocol Labs and builds on top of InterPlanetary File System,[1] allowing users to rent unused hard drive space.[5] A blockchain mechanism is used to register the deals.[6] It is a decentralized storage system that aims to “store humanity’s most important information.” Filecoin is open protocol and backed by a blockchain that records commitments made by the network’s participants, with transactions made using FIL, the blockchain’s native currency. The blockchain is based on both proof-of-replication and proof-of-spacetime.

The project was launched in August 2017 and raised over $200 million within 30 minutes.[6][7] It is ranked 8th in terms of Market Cap.[8]

Filecoin aims to store data in a decentralized manner. Unlike cloud storage companies like Amazon Web Services or Cloudflare, which are prone to the problems of centralization, Filecoin leverages its decentralized nature to protect the integrity of a data’s location, making it easily retrievable and hard to censor.

Decentralized storage systems like Filecoin allow people to be their own custodians of their data, as well as makes the web more accessible to people worldwide. Since participating in the Filecoin network by mining and storing is directly related to winning more block rewards, Filecoin incentivizes participants to act honestly and store as much data as possible.[citation needed]