Tor

[ADd]

http://tor.eff.org/

Tor is a toolset for a wide range of organizations and people that want to improve their safety and security on the Internet. Using Tor can help you anonymize web browsing and publishing, instant messaging, IRC, SSH, and other applications that use the TCP protocol. Tor also provides a platform on which software developers can build new applications with built-in anonymity, safety, and privacy features.

Has anyone experience of using this tool, and what are your experiences. In addition what are your views on the possible abuse of this system?

Sep 11 2006:

Last week, a few Tor exit nodes were seized by the German police in a massive sting against child pornography. From our friends on the ground in Germany, we hear that dozens and dozens of other computers unrelated to Tor may have been seized too.

So far as we know, only six of those were Tor servers. We have heard from the server operators. None of them has been charged. We hope that this is just a misunderstanding that can be solved by educating German law enforcement about Tor.

This is not a "crackdown on Tor", as has been widely reported. This seems to be part of a wide sweep on computers associated by IP address with a large child porn bust. There does not seem to be any specific targeting of Tor � Tor is used by journalists, human rights activists, dissident bloggers, and a vast array of blameless users.

We hope that the volunteer Tor server operators in Germany will get their equipment back after this has blown over, and there will be no action against Tor.

[AntiSilence]

Originally Posted by ADd

http://tor.eff.org/

Has anyone experience of using this tool, and what are your experiences. In addition what are your views on the possible abuse of this system?

Never used it. I don't really have a need to. But, I don't think that it should be penalised because of 'possible abuse' like P2P software has been.

People will always abuse things that made available, but we should not start banning things because of this (without getting into the issue of guns again!). Examples: P2P; useful and technically legal. What people may do with it isn't. But that doesn't mean that the software should be made illegal. Video/tape recorders; enough said. lol

[ADd]

I gave it a spin last week, and it does slow down the speed of browsing, but it is still manageable. However if you need extra security for legimate reasons it is a very useful tool - although still not 100% secure (but then is anything ?)

[AntiSilence]

Originally Posted by ADd

I gave it a spin last week, and it does slow down the speed of browsing, but it is still manageable. However if you need extra security for legimate reasons it is a very useful tool - although still not 100% secure (but then is anything ?)

Not these days!

I used a US proxy once to access a news article on the NY Times site that blocked UK people from viewing due to legal issues! But don't tell anyone!

[ADd]

Your secret is safe......I think

Although your IP address has been logged, and in addition although Ntl use proxy servers they forward your actual IP address to the servers you visit - hence a quick look in the access logs will reveal your IP

Additonally you can be traced through proxy servers, if someone can be bothered to take the time

Beware the world is watching you

[AntiSilence]

Originally Posted by ADd

Your secret is safe......I think

Although your IP address has been logged, and in addition although Ntl use proxy servers they forward your actual IP address to the servers you visit - hence a quick look in the access logs will reveal your IP

Additonally you can be traced through proxy servers, if someone can be bothered to take the time

Wasn't me, can't prove a thing your honour! lol