Tor: Through the Static
Tor is a free and open-source system that helps protect your privacy online. It routes your internet traffic through a network of relays to make tracking and surveillance more difficult.
Why Relays Matter
Relays are volunteer-run servers that form the core of the Tor network. Each relay helps distribute traffic and ensures that no single part of the network knows both where a user is coming from and where they're going.
Snowflake: Simple Anti-Censorship
In some countries, Tor is blocked by ISPs or governments. Snowflake is a tool that helps people in these places access Tor using temporary proxies hosted by everyday users.
Who's Watching?
- ISPs (Internet Service Providers)
- Government surveillance programs (e.g., PRISM, XKeyscore)
- Ad networks & data brokers
- Nation-state firewalls (e.g., China's Great Firewall, Iran’s censorship)
- Social media monitoring programs
Real Censorship Cases
- Iran: Widespread internet shutdowns during protests (2019–2022)
- China: Deep packet inspection & blocking of Tor connections
- Russia: Legal restrictions & court-ordered Tor bans (2021–2023)
- Turkey: Repeated blocks of social media & VPN services
- India: Temporary blackouts during civil unrest (e.g., Kashmir)
- Egypt: Blocking of secure messaging apps like Signal