Torpark offers anonymous Web surfing
Torpark, a variant of the Portable Firefox web browser with Tor built into it, which enables users to surf the Internet anonymously, has been unleashed by a group of internet privacy enthusiasts. Tor (The Onion Router) is a free software implementation of second-generation onion routing, a system permitting its users to communicate anonymously on the Internet.
The new Firefox-based web browser, Torpark that enables internet users to maintain complete anonymity when they go online to surf the net was created by Steve Topletz, with assistance from John T. Haller, developer of Portable Firefox. Topletz co-released Torpark v.1.5.0.7 with a group called Hacktivismo on 19, September 2006. Hacktivismo is an eclectic team of lawyers, artists, hackers and human rights activists from around the world.
The current version of Torpark does not allow user to run another version of Firefox simultaneously. This modified version of the Portable Firefox web browser is slated for use on portable media such as a USB flash drive but it can also be used on any hard disk drive.
Torpark works by randomly routing encrypted page requests through a network of servers called The Onion Router, which is designed to send data to one another in a manner that is difficult to trace. Torpark has secured warm approvals from non-profit internet privacy advocate Electronic Frontiers Foundation.
The main objective behind the Internet browser is to enable people to browse the Internet with anonymity, at a time when new technologies continue to collect personal data without permission. Further clarifying its goal, Hacktivismo founder Oxblood Ruffin said, “We live in a time where acquisition technologies are cherry picking and collating every aspect of our online lives, adding that, “Torpark continues Hacktivismo’s commitment to expanding privacy rights on the Internet. And the best thing is it’s free. No one should have to pay for basic human rights, especially the right of privacy.”
The Torpark browser does not require installation and can be carried around by the user on a USB memory stick, taking up only 7MB of storage.
On the other hand, Torpark has some disadvantageous aspects, such as it runs at a snail's speed and on some the bigger slower loading sites can even time out. The anonymous Web surfing only effects Torpark, not other internet applications that the user may want to run through the browser. In this manner, users should not be tranquilized into a false sense of security.
Doubtlessly, Torpark will grab a small market segment of privacy conscious web surfers, analysts say.
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Torpark promotes freedom of speech and democracy
To you anonymous commentors out there with ironic concerns about abuses of anonymity. Terrorists and thieves already have this technology. Torpark brings it to the masses. It is similar to outlawing guns, then only criminals will have them. Further, it is foolish to attempt to decide if it should be allowed because of what someone will do with it. If you live an a free society, the tool is not bad, only how you use it. Perhaps you suggest we outlaw cars because of how many die each year, or eating utensils based on the idea of how much damage they do. No of course not, but let us keep nuclear weapons around, that will keep us safe...
Will the government allow this?
Surely the government wouldent want this to go widespread. If it lets you do things anonymously, you can cause major damage, with little to no reparation. I like the idea, and I would love to use this myself, but how do we know others would use this properly?
How about the hacker
I think, This Torpark also very dangerous for security system, because can complicate detection.
All criminal of data will very easy manipulation of data and deception. What have been thought to hit this matter?
Hackers seldom use web
Hackers seldom use web browsers, This Browser is a GOOD EXTRA LAYER OF PROTECTOIN AGAINST HACKERS BECAUSE IT GOES THROUGH MULTIPLE ANON. PROXIES.
A web browser is of little
A web browser is of little use to the average hacker. I do not wish to discuss their methods, but this browser will likely not be one of them!!! In fact such a browser is an additional layer of PROTECTION AGAINST HACKERS, as it goes through multiple secure proxies.