Irys
London, United Kingdom
What it is
Irys is a blockchain network presented as a Layer-1 programmable datachain for storing large volumes of data onchain. Its design combines storage, data availability, and an EVM-compatible execution environment, with IrysVM allowing smart contracts to access and compute on stored data. The whitepaper describes ledgers for different retention periods, including short-term and permanent storage, plus a hybrid proof-of-work and staking consensus model. Miners sample stored data during consensus and can be challenged and slashed when data is missing. The mainnet launched on November 25, 2025. Because the network is permissionless, anyone can upload through uploader.irys.xyz and retrieve content through gateway.irys.xyz. Irys says uploads are not prescreened, while confirmed abuse reports are actioned within 24 hours. Its open-source SDK uses the MIT license, and developer entry points include documentation and a faucet.
For and against
For
- Programmable datachain combines storage and data availability
- EVM-compatible execution through IrysVM
- Multiple retention periods, including permanent storage
- Permissionless upload and retrieval endpoints
- Open-source SDK under the MIT license
Against
- Uploads are not prescreened
- Confirmed abuse reports may be actioned after reporting
- Network uses a hybrid proof-of-work and staking design
The verdict
Irys provides programmable onchain storage with permissionless access and multiple retention models. Developers should account for its unscreened uploads and blockchain-based operating model.
Who it suits
Irys is aimed at developers building applications that store, retrieve, or compute on blockchain-hosted data. Its ecosystem spans AI, compute, security, infrastructure, DeFi, and social projects.
On the record
- Abuse reporting
- Irys says confirmed abuse reports are actioned within 24 hours.irys.xyz · read 9 Oct 2026
- Abuse response
- Irys says it actions confirmed abuse reports within 24 hours.irys.xyz · read 4 Oct 2026
- Company
- The maker identifies itself as BN Labs Ltd trading as Irys, registered in England and Wales, with a registered address in London, United Kingdom.irys.xyz · read 4 Oct 2026
- Company number
- BN Labs Ltd is listed with company number 14211627.irys.xyz · read 4 Oct 2026
- Consensus
- The whitepaper describes a hybrid proof-of-work and staking consensus design with slashing for malicious behavior.irys.xyz · read 9 Oct 2026
- Datachain
- The whitepaper describes Irys as a Layer-1 datachain combining storage, data availability, and an EVM-compatible execution environment.irys.xyz · read 9 Oct 2026
- Developer entry points
- The homepage links to developer documentation and a faucet, and identifies an ecosystem hub and block explorer among Irys-operated subdomains.irys.xyz · read 9 Oct 2026
- Disclosure policy
- Irys says it follows coordinated disclosure with 90 days from report to public disclosure, with extensions available for complex issues.irys.xyz · read 4 Oct 2026
- Ecosystem
- Irys's ecosystem directory lists projects across areas including AI, compute, trust and security, developer infrastructure, DeFi, and social platforms.irys.xyz · read 4 Oct 2026
- Former name
- Irys says it was formerly Bundlr Network and that the Bundlr and Irys teams are the same.irys.xyz · read 9 Oct 2026
- Mainnet
- Irys states that its mainnet launched on November 25, 2025.irys.xyz · read 9 Oct 2026
- No prescreening
- Irys says it does not prescreen uploaded content and accepts reports of content that violates its acceptable use policy.irys.xyz · read 4 Oct 2026
- Open-source SDK
- Irys states that its SDK is published under the MIT license.irys.xyz · read 9 Oct 2026
- Permissionless uploads
- Irys says anyone can upload content through uploader.irys.xyz and retrieve it through gateway.irys.xyz, and that uploads are not pre-screened.irys.xyz · read 9 Oct 2026
- Product
- Irys describes itself as a blockchain for storing large volumes of data onchain, with flexible storage durations and verification built into the network.irys.xyz · read 9 Oct 2026
- Programmable data
- The whitepaper says smart contracts can access and compute on data stored on Irys through IrysVM.irys.xyz · read 9 Oct 2026
- Proof of storage
- The whitepaper says miners sample stored data during consensus and can be challenged and slashed if data is missing.irys.xyz · read 9 Oct 2026
- SDK
- Irys states that its open-source SDK is published under the MIT license.irys.xyz · read 4 Oct 2026