Free anonymous browsing
Surf's up for privacy
Posted in Music and Media, 20th September 2006 21:48 GMT
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A modified version of Mozilla Firefox that lets users browse the web anonymously has been released.
The Torpark browser can be stored on and run from a flash USB memory stick, which can effectively turn a PC into an anonymous terminal.
Hacktivismo - an eclectic bunch of lawyers, artists, hackers and human rights activists - has created the modified portable web browser.
On its website the group claims to be "committed to developing technologies in support of the highest standards of human rights."
Explaining the motivation behind Torpack, Hacktivismo founder Oxblood Ruffin said: "We live in a time where acquisition technologies are cherry picking and collating every aspect of our online lives - so it seems that it's a browser attempting to redress that supposed imbalance."
No installation is required to run Torpark but the two folders generated from its free download website have to stay together for the browser to run.
Working in conjunction with The Onion Router (TOR) network, the tool anonymises a user's connection through encryption and constantly changing net addresses. This makes it incredibly difficult for ISPs to track an individuals web-related activity and location.
The Torpark website details instructions on what limitations to expect if using the browser, as surfing the net anonymously has several drawbacks including a slower browsing speed and individual websites not storing a users login details.
Torpark is being released under the GNU General Public License and is dedicated "to the Panchen Lama". ®


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