IPFS.io Public Gateway is a free public utility that acts as a bridge between the traditional web and the decentralized web, allowing users to access IPFS content via standard web browsers.

The main features of this tool include:

• Protocol Bridge: It serves as a conduit between the traditional HTTP web protocol and the decentralized IPFS protocol by listening for HTTP requests, retrieving the corresponding content via IPFS, and serving it back to the user.

• Universal Accessibility: It allows anyone to access content from public IPFS networks regardless of which web browser they are using, eliminating the need for users to run their own IPFS node.

• CID Verification: It is one of the first gateways to verify that the data it returns matches the specific Content ID (CID) requested by the user, ensuring the integrity of the retrieved data.

• Trustless Retrieval Support: The gateway supports "trustless content types," which enable clients to perform their own verifiable retrievals for increased security.

• Public Utility Model: Provided as a "Public Good" for free, it is maintained by Interplanetary Shipyard on behalf of the IPFS Foundation and is funded by donors to support digital public infrastructure.

• Content Moderation: It enforces an Acceptable Use Policy and features a reporting system to handle abuse, such as scams, malware, or rights infringements, by adding malicious CIDs to the "Bad Bits" denylist.