Filecoin is a blockchain designed to be a decentralized data storage network, functioning like a marketplace that allows users to rent out their excess storage capacity in an encrypted, secure, and efficient manner. Filecoin is based on the InterPlanetary File System (IPFS) protocol, developed by Protocol Labs, the company behind Filecoin. Transactions and storage contracts on Filecoin are secured by Proof of Replication (PoRep) and Proof of Spacetime (PoSt) consensus mechanisms.