The Tor Project has issued an urgent appeal for volunteers to deploy 200 new WebTunnel bridges by the end of the year to combat escalating internet censorship, particularly in Russia. This call to action highlights the vital role of the privacy community in safeguarding free access to the internet.
Why WebTunnel Bridges?
WebTunnel bridges are a groundbreaking solution introduced by Tor in March 2024 to bypass heavy censorship. Unlike traditional Tor bridges, which rely on protocols like obfs4 and are easier to identify, WebTunnel bridges disguise Tor traffic as regular HTTPS traffic by operating over a web server with a valid SSL/TLS certificate. This allows them to blend seamlessly with normal web activity and remain resilient to censorship.
The Current Situation
- Censorship in Russia: Increased blocking of Tor’s circumvention tools, removal of apps from stores, and targeting hosting providers.
- Impact: Roscomnadzor’s actions have made several Tor bridges inaccessible, leaving users in Russia vulnerable and isolated from the free internet.
- Tor’s Response: Deploying more WebTunnel bridges to counteract these efforts and ensure uninterrupted access.
How You Can Help
The Tor Project is calling on volunteers to:
- Set up WebTunnel bridges: A static IPv4 address, a valid SSL/TLS certificate, and 1 TB/month bandwidth are required.
- Commit to uptime: Bridges must run nearly 24/7 for at least one year.
- Avoid Hetzner hosting.
For those who set up five or more bridges, Tor is offering a free t-shirt as a token of gratitude.
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How to Get Started
- Check the Official Guide: Tor provides detailed instructions on setting up and maintaining WebTunnel bridges.
- Contact Tor: Once your bridges are operational, email your details to [email protected].
By volunteering, you contribute to preserving online freedom for millions. With governments increasing efforts to control access to information, your support can make a difference in breaking down digital barriers.
For more information, visit Tor’s official guide on WebTunnel bridges. Let’s work together to keep the internet free and open for all.
