Welcome to The Lantern, a privacy-first community platform built on federated architecture. Whether you are here for the marketplace, technical discussions, or community support, this guide will help you get oriented quickly and safely.

How to Register

Click "Sign Up" in the top-right corner. You will need a valid email address for verification. Choose a username that does not reveal your real identity — we strongly recommend avoiding any name tied to your presence on clearnet platforms. Once registered, complete your profile with a bio and avatar, but remember: operational security starts with what you choose to share.

Community Rules

• Be respectful. Personal attacks, hate speech, and harassment result in immediate bans.
• No doxxing or threats. Sharing another person's real identity without consent is grounds for permanent removal.
• Marketplace integrity. All vendors must be verified. Buyers should use escrow for any transaction over $50.
• No illegal solicitation. This platform does not condone or facilitate unlawful activity.
• Report, don't retaliate. Use the report button for rule violations rather than engaging publicly.

OPSEC Tips

• Use a unique password and enable two-factor authentication in your account settings.
• Never share your login credentials with anyone, including people claiming to be staff.
• Use a VPN or Tor when accessing the platform from restricted networks.
• Verify vendor PGP keys independently before sending encrypted messages.
• Regularly review your active sessions under Account Settings and revoke any you do not recognize.

If you have questions, post in c/support or reach out to a moderator. We are a community built on trust — let us keep it that way.