rNet proposes shifting AI token costs from app developers to individual users through a prepaid balance system

A developer built rNet, a protocol where users preload a balance, sign each request, and have the cost deducted per request, rather than apps paying for tokens and managing billing.

The current model requires apps to track per-user usage and build complex billing logic, and causes users to pay multiple times for the same underlying AI across different apps.

The rNet protocol is live with client libraries available (npm, Maven) and documentation published at https://www.rnetai.org/; the developer is seeking feedback on technical, economic, and UX implications.