What is Enclosed Mainnet?
Enclosed Mainnet (a.k.a. Enclosed Network period of Mainnet) means that the Mainnet is live but with a firewall that prevents any unwanted external connectivity. The Pi Mainnet blockchain was launched on December 28, 2021, in this enclosed state and continues to be in this state. The Pi Mainnet blockchain block explorer can be found here and API access to the live Pi Mainnet blockchain here.
During this intermediary period, KYC’ed Pioneers are able to use their Pi on the Mainnet freely in an enclosed environment within Pi Network. However, this period does not allow connectivity between the Pi blockchain and other blockchains or third parties. This Enclosed Network design makes any listing or exchange of Pi technically impossible. In addition, Pi Network’s policies incorporated the following restrictions during the Enclosed Network period: Pi may not be (1) exchanged for fiat currency, (2) exchanged for other cryptocurrencies, or (3) exchanged for the future promise of fiat or other cryptocurrencies. According to the updated whitepaper chapters released on the same day that the Mainnet blockchain was launched, the current Enclosed Mainnet is a precursor to the Open Mainnet, the period when the firewall will be removed and external connectivity permitted.
Why did Pi Network choose to have an Enclosed Mainnet period?
The unique innovative design of Pi’s Enclosed Network period is a strategic choice to build a network of true substance and utilities with the best interest of the network, the community and individual Pioneers in mind.
Historically, any true creation in the world takes time, be it a scientific discovery, a technological innovation, or an impactful company. While people get used to the typical short timeframes of crypto projects, such a timeframe is actually not a normal trajectory of substance creation and utility building and can lead to problems, many of which we witnessed recently in the crypto space. The Enclosed Network period helps Pi focus on building ecosystem infrastructure and utilities viable within an enclosed environment without external noise. The required utility-creation preparation in the Enclosed Network period also helps Pi avoid becoming yet another cryptocurrency because the world has plenty of those already and does not need another one.
How does the Enclosed Mainnet technically prevent listings and cross-chain connectivity?
Connecting Pi with any DeFi tokens or bridges on other blockchains or creating exchange wallets is technically prevented by the blockchain firewall, and doing so would be a violation of Pi Network’s Enclosed Network restrictions as described above. The firewall is intended to only allow authorized parties to create new accounts/wallets on the Mainnet. For now, only KYC’ed Pioneers (Pi users) and authorized Pi apps can get their accounts/wallets created on the Mainnet, while the firewall prevents the creation of any other new accounts on the blockchain. Thus any exchanges or DeFi projects are not able to create or operate accounts on the Pi Blockchain during the Enclosed Network period. The firewall can further disable any wallet determined to be violating Pi Network’s Enclosed Network restrictions so that existing Pioneer wallets cannot be used as a proxy for such exchanges, DeFi tokens or bridges to other chains. The firewall allows full read access to the blockchain for everyone and it allows Pi transactions between existing officially created, fully KYC’ed Pioneer wallets and Pi apps wallets.
What are the benefits of having an Enclosed Mainnet?
The current Enclosed Network period of Mainnet allows Pi Network to focus on two priorities: (1) mass verification of millions of Pioneers’ identity via a native, scalable KYC solution, followed by the migration of their mobile mining balance to the Pi Mainnet, and (2) creation of real utilities for the Pi cryptocurrency, including ecosystem infrastructure and platforms that enable utilities building by the community and external world. Completion of both of these priorities, in furtherance of building a viable and sustainable ecosystem, is necessary to take the next step—Open Network.
Did Pi Network approve the listing of what is claimed to be Pi Coin, Pi IOUs, or other derivatives of Pi on various crypto exchanges?
No. Pi Network has no association with any of these exchanges, which are acting without the consent, authority, or involvement of the network. The Enclosed Network design prohibits any listing or exchanges of Pi by its rules and through its construction, which renders doing so technically impossible. This means that these unauthorized listings, which purport to offer the Pi Token, are shams that are based upon false and misleading information presented by the cryptocurrency exchanges offering the listings.
Some exchanges have claimed that Pi Network has granted permission to them to list the Pi token and/or is collaborating with them. Is this true?
Any claim of Pi Network’s permission or involvement in any listing is patently false and untrue.
The only reliable source for information concerning Pi Network, Pi Token, or anything related to current or future activities is Pi’s official website, app, or Pi Network’s social media channels. If we engage in a major activity, you can be assured the Pi Core Team will be announcing it on our website, through our app, or via our social media channels.
Is it possible for exchanges to access real Pi tokens during the Enclosed Mainnet Period?
No. The Mainnet firewall, as explained above, does not allow any external connectivity, which includes connections with other blockchains and exchanges. Therefore, the products being traded on these exchanges are not real Pi tokens. For this reason, we strongly recommend against participating in any transactions through these exchanges as they may result in significant loss or damage to you as they do not represent transactions for the Pi Token.
What is your advice to Pioneers or those interested in trading Pi IOUs on exchanges?
We recommend all Pioneers and potential Pi users NOT to engage with any of these exchanges or third-party actors as their actions are not affiliated with Pi Network, and could result in substantial loss or damage to Pi users.
Will Pi ever be listed on an exchange?
This decision is up to the exchanges. However, this can only be possible in the upcoming Open Mainnet period, not during the current Enclosed Mainnet period.
Why would some well-known cryptocurrency exchanges list the Pi token if Pi Network is not collaborating with them?
It’s a valid question; one we ourselves ask.
Regardless of the exchanges’ rationale or actions in listing so-called Pi (or its related derivatives), it is important to note that Pi Network is not collaborating with any of these exchanges, and none are transacting in real Pi Tokens.
What actions has Pi taken since the public listings of Pi IOUs/Futures?
Following the reports of multiple unauthorized listings, Pi Network released a statement advising its community against engagement with any of these exchanges and continues to communicate directly with the Pi community through its official channels. The Network is also requesting that these listings be removed from exchanges and evaluating additional actions with respect to the third parties and exchanges involved in these unauthorized listings.
What can Pioneers do with their Pi in this Enclosed Mainnet period?
Pioneers are encouraged to trade goods and services for Pi using their Mainnet wallets. Further, there are applications, and new ones to come, on the Pi Browser—home to Pi’s ecosystem—that enable Pioneers to use their Pi in exchange for real utilities. The network is currently also working to foster and support ecosystem app development through community developers, ongoing Hackathons, business partnerships and Core Team’s independent efforts. Pioneers can participate in any of such movements or programs of creating Pi applications by being a user, ideator, designer, developer, community supporter, business developer, etc., of Pi apps and Pi ecosystem programs. More guidance on how to participate will be provided in our official channels this year.
Any other advice to Pioneers?
Stay safe with your Pi. Follow the guidance listed here.
Please always rely on information provided by Pi Network’s official channels listed here.