Latest news with #TorProject
Geeky Gadgets
16-07-2025
- Geeky Gadgets
The Shocking Truth Behind Tor's OS Spoofing Removal
What happens when the very tools we trust to safeguard our privacy begin to erode that trust? The Tor Project, long heralded as a champion of online anonymity, has sparked outrage among its users after quietly removing a critical feature: operating system (OS) spoofing. This feature once masked users' operating systems, creating a unified 'anonymity set' that made it harder for adversaries to track individuals. But in a move that many see as a betrayal of its core mission, the organization not only eliminated this feature but also denied its removal in an official newsletter—despite evidence to the contrary. For a project built on transparency and user empowerment, this contradiction has left its community reeling, questioning whether the Tor Project is still the privacy advocate it claims to be. Sam Bent provide more insights into the growing rift between the Tor Project and its user base, unpacking the implications of removing OS spoofing and the broader concerns about transparency and accountability. Readers will gain insight into how this change impacts their anonymity, why critics are accusing the organization of gaslighting, and what this controversy reveals about the shifting priorities of privacy-focused tools. At its heart, this is a story about trust—and what happens when it's fractured by the very entities tasked with protecting it. As the dust settles, one question looms large: can the Tor Project regain the confidence of its users, or has it crossed a line it cannot come back from? Tor Browser Privacy Controversy What Is OS Spoofing, and Why Does It Matter? OS spoofing was a feature in the Tor Browser that masked users' operating systems, making it appear as though all users were running Windows. By creating this uniformity, the feature established a consistent 'anonymity set', which reduced the likelihood of users being identified based on their operating systems. This was particularly important in combating tracking and fingerprinting techniques that rely on unique system attributes to identify individuals. In 2025, the Tor Project removed this feature, exposing users' actual operating systems—whether Linux, macOS, Windows, or others—in HTTP headers. The implications for privacy are far-reaching: Users are now categorized by their real operating systems, fragmenting the anonymity set and reducing collective protection. Adversaries can more easily identify users through passive fingerprinting , which analyzes system-specific attributes such as OS type. , which analyzes system-specific attributes such as OS type. Those using less common operating systems face heightened risks, as their systems stand out in server logs and tracking data. For a tool designed to safeguard anonymity, this change represents a significant concern, particularly for users who rely on Tor to protect their privacy in high-risk environments. Confusion and Contradictions: The Tor Project's Response The controversy intensified when the Tor Project addressed the issue in a newsletter, claiming that OS spoofing had not been removed and was 'here to stay.' This statement directly contradicted developer documentation and discussions on GitLab, where the removal of OS spoofing was explicitly outlined. Critics argue that the organization misrepresented the change, framing it as a 'harmonization' rather than acknowledging the elimination of a critical privacy feature. Adding to the confusion, the removal was not widely communicated to users. Instead, it was buried in technical release notes and developer discussions, leaving many unaware of the change. This lack of transparency has led to accusations that the Tor Project deliberately avoided open dialogue, undermining user trust and informed consent. For an organization that champions privacy and user empowerment, this approach has been widely criticized as inconsistent with its stated values. Tor Project Just Gaslit Their Entire User Base Watch this video on YouTube. Advance your skills in privacy by reading more of our detailed content. Privacy Risks and Erosion of Trust The removal of OS spoofing has broader implications for both user privacy and trust in the Tor Project. By exposing users' operating systems, the change undermines a core principle of anonymity: uniformity. Without this feature, users are more vulnerable to tracking and identification, particularly those using less common systems that stand out in data logs. The incident has also drawn attention to the role of Privacy Guides, a nonprofit organization that advises on privacy tools. Privacy Guides defended the Tor Project's decision, claiming the change had minimal impact on user privacy. However, critics argue that this stance downplays the significance of the issue and contributes to misinformation. The situation highlights the need for independent scrutiny and accountability for organizations that position themselves as privacy advocates. Concerns About Organizational Priorities The OS spoofing controversy is part of a broader pattern of behavior that raises questions about the Tor Project's organizational priorities. Critics have accused the organization of focusing more on fundraising efforts than addressing user concerns transparently. Additionally, the Tor Project has expressed a desire to discourage users from modifying browser settings, further limiting user choice and control. These actions suggest a shift away from empowering users to make informed decisions about their privacy. Instead, the organization appears to be centralizing control, a move that some argue contradicts the open source and privacy-first ethos upon which the Tor Project was founded. This perceived shift in priorities has led to growing skepticism among users and privacy advocates alike. What This Means for Users For those who rely on the Tor Browser to protect their anonymity, the removal of OS spoofing and the subsequent miscommunication represent a significant breach of trust. This incident underscores the importance of critically evaluating the tools and organizations that claim to prioritize privacy. Users concerned about their anonymity should consider the following steps: Stay informed about updates to privacy tools and assess how changes may impact your security and anonymity. Explore alternative tools and projects that emphasize transparency and user choice. Advocate for greater accountability and open communication from privacy-focused organizations. By taking these steps, users can better protect their privacy and hold organizations accountable for their actions. The Path Forward The Tor Project faces a critical juncture in its relationship with its user base. To rebuild trust, the organization must prioritize transparency, clear communication, and a renewed focus on empowering users. Acknowledging past missteps and committing to open dialogue will be essential in restoring confidence among its community. As the debate over OS spoofing and organizational priorities continues, users are encouraged to remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding their privacy. The incident serves as a reminder that even trusted tools and organizations must be held to high standards of accountability. Media Credit: Sam Bent Filed Under: Technology News, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. 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Mint
02-07-2025
- Mint
Tired of being tracked online? Tor browser can hide you - here's how to set it up
Looking for a way to browse the internet without leaving a digital trail? Tor Browser is designed for just that, offering a level of privacy most mainstream browsers can't match. It's free, open-source, and routes your web traffic through a network of volunteer-run servers, making it extremely difficult for anyone to track your online activity. Tor, short for The Onion Router, works by passing your internet requests through at least three different servers, or nodes, before reaching their destination. Each node only knows its immediate predecessor and successor, so no single server ever knows both who you are and what you're accessing. The entry node sees your IP address but not your destination, the middle node only passes along the data, and the exit node knows where your request is going but not who sent it. This layered approach, much like the layers of an onion, helps keep your identity and browsing habits private from internet service providers, advertisers, and even government agencies. Download Tor Browser Head to the official Tor Project website and download the version suited for your device. Tor Browser is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android. There's no official iOS version, but alternatives like Onion Browser exist for iPhone users. Install and Launch Installation is straightforward - just run the downloaded file and follow the prompts. Once installed, open Tor Browser. You'll be greeted with an option to connect to the Tor network, either automatically or manually. Automatic connection is the simplest option for most users. Browse Privately Once connected, you can browse the web much like you would with any other browser. Tor uses DuckDuckGo as its default search engine, which doesn't track your searches or store your data. You'll notice that sites may load slower than usual, as your traffic is bouncing through multiple nodes worldwide. Some websites may block Tor users or require extra verification, so patience is key. Stick to HTTPS websites whenever possible, as traffic is only encrypted within the Tor network. The exit node decrypts your data before passing it to the destination site, so HTTPS adds another layer of protection. Avoid logging into personal accounts, like email or social media, as this can compromise your anonymity. Don't download files or open suspicious links, since Tor can't protect you from malware. Use the security settings in the browser, accessible via the shield icon, to adjust your protection level. Higher settings block risky features but may break some sites. Explore .onion sites for even more privacy, but be cautious - these hidden services aren't always safe or legal. Tor is a powerful privacy tool, but it isn't perfect. Browsing speeds are slower, and some sites may block access altogether. The network isn't immune to advanced threats, and using Tor can attract attention in some countries. Always keep the browser updated and avoid risky behaviour online. Tor Browser is a practical choice for anyone serious about privacy. With a few simple steps, you can make your browsing much harder to track, giving you more control over your digital footprint.
DW
01-07-2025
- Politics
- DW
The real stories shouldn't be kept secret
Freedom is something that we can't take for granted – especially when it comes to access to information worldwide. Free access to information means that everyone — no matter where they are — has the freedom to make up their own mind. That's why we offer a range of tools and means of distribution to help people in areas with limited freedom of the press access news and information. It's sometimes easy to forget that there are many places where people who publish dissenting thought are punished and the free flow of information is blocked. DW has made fighting censorship a core principle and works consistently to provide people everywhere with the information they need to understand problems and issues affecting their societies. Recognizing those that stand up for the right to speak up Since 2015, the DW Freedom of Speech Award has recognized media figures or initiatives for their commitment to promoting free speech. Promoting democratic values, human rights and the dialogue between different cultures has been at the core of DW for more than six decades. In many countries, government control of infrastructure can lead to information being censored or cut off altogether. That's why DW has always worked to provide solutions to circumvent censorship and provide information to the people. For example, people in countries whose governments block or restrict access to independent news can access DW content securely and anonymously with the Tor Project. Websites accessible through Tor (The Onion Routing) can be recognized by the extension '.onion.' A special browser such as the Firefox-based Tor browser is necessary in order to gain access to the websites.
DW
01-07-2025
- Politics
- DW
The real stories shouldn't be kept secret
Freedom is something that we can't take for granted – especially when it comes to access to information worldwide. Free access to information means that everyone — no matter where they are — has the freedom to make up their own mind. That's why we offer a range of tools and means of distribution to help people in areas with limited freedom of the press access news and information. It's sometimes easy to forget that there are many places where people who publish dissenting thought are punished and the free flow of information is blocked. DW has made fighting censorship a core principle and works consistently to provide people everywhere with the information they need to understand problems and issues affecting their societies. Recognizing those that stand up for the right to speak up Since 2015, the DW Freedom of Speech Award has recognized media figures or initiatives for their commitment to promoting free speech. Promoting democratic values, human rights and the dialogue between different cultures has been at the core of DW for more than six decades. In many countries, government control of infrastructure can lead to information being censored or cut off altogether. That's why DW has always worked to provide solutions to circumvent censorship and provide information to the people. For example, people in countries whose governments block or restrict access to independent news can access DW content securely and anonymously with the Tor Project. Websites accessible through Tor (The Onion Routing) can be recognized by the extension '.onion.' A special browser such as the Firefox-based Tor browser is necessary in order to gain access to the websites.
