The browser sends the request through a number of nodes before it reaches the server. Instead of the device communicating with the website or service’s server, it connects to “nodes” or other computers on the Tor network. When using Tor, the connection is not direct. In that process, the user’s computer also shares information about itself, including IP address, location and other information that may be revealing of the device user.

When a user visits a website, their computer communicates with a server to request and retrieve the information from that site. To understand how Tor works, it’s important to first understand how a standard internet browser works. Originally developed with the intention of fostering democracy in authoritarian states, the Tor browser now serves as a way to avoid government surveillance even for citizens inside the borders of the U.S.

Tor, short for The Onion Router, is a web browser built on technology backed by the United States government and is designed to conceal the activity of users. The first tool recommended by Snowden to keep online activity private is the Tor Browser.

The recommendation from the former government employee was directed specifically at FBI agents and other government officials- 'Protip: Don't use your FBI-issued phone for things you don't want the FBI to know,” he wrote -but also apply to individuals who are looking for some assurances of privacy. In the wake of reports that text messages between two FBI officials revealed negative opinions of then-candidate Donald Trump, former National Security Agency contractor and whistleblower Edward Snowden offered a piece of advice for those trying to keep communications private: “Use Tor.

Is tor browser safe to use