The Onion Router: How It Works and Why You Should Use It

Ordinarily when you visit a website, data is routed from your computer to your target through the global network of public servers that create the World Wide Web. However, there's an alternative way to browse the internet anonymously - using the Tor network, also known as The Onion Router.

Tor is a private network of nodes that route and encrypt your Internet traffic through the internet, making it difficult for anyone to track your online activities. Introduced in 2002, Tor has since been released in several new versions, each tightening potential security gaps that governments might exploit. Today, its support base includes organizations like VOA's parent agency - the Broadcasting Board of Governors.

The concept of Tor grew from highly technical research conducted by DARPA in the 1990s and was originally funded by the U.S. government. Its complex and redundant design provides strong protection against government snooping. Think of it like this: just as onions are composed of many layers, Tor employs a nested web of private computers, called nodes, that route and encrypt your Internet traffic through the internet.

Tor is shorthand for 'The Onion Router,' with 'onion' serving as a helpful analogy for how Tor works. Here's what it is, how to use it, and how it might help you online. That's because Tor rates among the most secure and effective ways of guarding your anonymity online, while also helping you evade government censorship.

Tor is one of the oldest and most popular circumvention applications available. With good reason. Its ability to keep your online activities private and anonymous has made it a valuable tool for many internet users around the world. Whether you're looking to protect your privacy from prying eyes or simply want to access blocked websites, Tor is an effective solution.

By using Tor, you can rest assured that your online activities are secure and private. So why not give it a try? With its ease of use and strong encryption, Tor is the perfect tool for anyone looking to take control of their online privacy.

Onion router