Description: Tor is a free software designed to enable anonymous communication on the internet. Its name comes from ‘The Onion Router’, which refers to its method of layered encryption, similar to the layers of an onion. Tor allows users to browse the web privately, hiding their IP address and avoiding online surveillance and tracking. This system relies on a network of volunteer-operated nodes that redirect internet traffic through multiple layers of encryption, making it difficult to identify the source of the connection. Tor is especially relevant in contexts where privacy is crucial, such as in the communication of activists, journalists, and citizens in repressive regimes. Additionally, Tor is compatible with various operating systems and can be configured to provide users with a secure and private browsing experience.
History: Tor was initially developed in the 1990s by the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory as a project to protect government communications. In 2002, the first public version of the software was released, and in 2006, the Tor Project, Inc. was established as a nonprofit organization dedicated to the research and development of Tor. Since then, it has significantly evolved, with improvements in its security and usability.
Uses: Tor is primarily used for anonymous browsing of the internet, avoiding censorship and tracking. It is also used by journalists to securely communicate with sources, by activists in repressive countries, and by users who wish to protect their online privacy.
Examples: An example of using Tor is accessing the dark web, where users can find information and services not available on the conventional web. Another example is its use by journalists who need to communicate securely with sources, such as in cases of leaking sensitive information.
