⚙️How Locust Works

Locust operates as a decentralized network that leverages user-contributed bandwidth to scrape publicly available data. The following sections explain the process in detail:

1. Bandwidth Sharing

Users install the Locust Chrome extension, which enables them to share unused bandwidth with the network. This bandwidth is utilized to perform data scraping tasks from open-access sources, such as Wikipedia.

Key points:

• Bandwidth sharing is completely voluntary and controlled by the user.

• The extension runs in the background, minimizing its impact on your regular internet usage.

2. Data Scraping

Locust specializes in collecting publicly available information to support AI developers and researchers.

• What is Scraped?: Only open-access data sources, such as public web pages, are scraped. Private or sensitive information is never accessed.

• Use Case: The scraped data is aggregated and provided to AI companies to train and improve machine learning models.

3. Locust Chrome Extension

The Chrome extension serves as the core tool for participation.

• Users can monitor and control their bandwidth sharing directly from the extension.

• All actions are logged and displayed transparently, ensuring users know exactly how their resources are being utilized.

Steps to get started:

1. Download the extension from https://dapp.locustai.org/.

2. Install it using the Chrome Developer Mode.

3. Configure your Ethereum wallet address and start scraping.

4. Privacy and Security

Locust is built with a strong focus on user privacy:

• Data Anonymity: All data scraping is restricted to publicly available information.

• Encryption: Communications within the network are encrypted, ensuring that user data remains secure.

• User Control: The extension allows users to pause, start, or stop scraping at any time.

5. Rewards and Contributions

Participants earn tokens for their contributions:

• Reward Mechanism: Users receive tokens proportional to the bandwidth they share.

• Transparency: Rewards are tracked in real-time through the extension and the DApp dashboard.

Summary

Locust is a decentralized, privacy-first network that makes it easy for users to contribute to AI development by sharing bandwidth. By using the Locust Chrome extension, users can scrape publicly available data and earn rewards while supporting the future of AI.