I am a regular visitor to FreeNode, and regularly visit channels #myoss. Sometimes I would like to just check up how it's going, but sadly due to restrictions with the network that I'm in, this is not possible. An alternative is to access FreeNode with Tor using XChat, similarly to what we did with Firefox.
FreeNode is very encouraging of using Tor, and have policies set up to help Tor users. Similarly there are more generic instructions on how to access FreeNode via Tor.
Because of the anonymity provided by Tor, it is also suitable for abuse. There are moral issues with providing everyone anonymity, such as criminal activity, denial of service, and spammers. This is increasingly important with the threat of terrorist attacks, but also with governments cranking down on privacy.
Because of this abuse, you may not be able to connect to FreeNode. Like right now I am getting this message when trying to connect to FreeNode through Tor.
You have been killed by Idoru. (is temporarily blocked due to abuse. Apologies for the inconvenience!)
Closing Link: gateway/tor/session (Killed by Idoru. (Tor is temporarily blocked due to abuse. Apologies for the inconvenience!))
I will not be held responsible for the actions conducted by any person using these instructions. Do this at your own risk. Similarly when Tor starts it warns the user: This is experimental software. Do not rely on it for strong anonymity.
How to set up XChat to work with Tor:
Suitable of Ubuntu Dapper Drake, adapt as necessary.
- Run the command: sudo gedit /etc/tor/torrc
- Append the line to the end of the file, (might want to add a comment): mapaddress 10.40.40.40 mejokbp2brhw4omd.onion
- Save the file, and exit
- Restart the Tor service: sudo /etc/init.d/tor restart
- Open XChat, and go to: Settings > Preferences
- Now drop down to: Network > Network setup
- Set the Proxy server to be: localhost
- Set the Proxy port to be: 9050
- Set the Proxy type to be: Socks5
- Save, and go to File > Server List, and create a new Network. I called it "Torified FreeNode"
- Open up the network, and add into the server list the IP: 10.40.40.40
- Enable the option: Use a proxy server
- Save the Network settings, and click: Connect
And there you have it, simple easy to read instructions on how to connect to FreeNode with Tor using XChat.
Of course when you connect to IRC you may be using the same handle you always use, so your not really anonymous in IRC; its just that your ISP would have trouble finding what you are doing.
You should now be on your way to connecting to FreeNode through Tor; unless Tor has been blocked once again by FreeNode.
After Merdeka, I've decided to set up Tor. There is alot of talk about freedom, but the truth is freedom is more likely to be taken away, than given. Simliarly there are certain topics in Malaysia which are best avoided, and considered taboo to talk about.
For example: China has its infamous great firewall. The Chinese government does not permit the population to view certain sites such as Wikipedia. Though the Chinese government may have their reasons, I believe this act of censorship is immoral.
So you've decided to surf the web anonymously? Luckily Tor can do the job for you! The truth is when your on the web, you are being tracked, every single page you load is being cached or logged somewhere. Tor is an application engineered to protect your privacy, through the use of its own network of nodes designed to increase anonymity.
For example, since I am a citizen of Malaysia, by going directly to http://www.google.com I get rerouted to http://www.google.com.my, the Malaysian version for Google. Why is this? How do they do I originate from Malaysia? Well I won't answer that question here, but as you can see they know where you live. Bet you can't sleep with your eyes open now can you?
Well with Tor installed, and when accessing google.com, I get the UK version! My connection is being routed from the UK to my place. This changes everytime you go to a new website so the point of exit (in this case UK) is always different.
Here are the basic instructions to set up Tor, and you can learn more about Tor from their overview, or our good friend Wikipedia.
I will not be held responsible for the actions conducted by any person using these instructions. Do this at your own risk. Similarly when Tor starts it warns the user: This is experimental software. Do not rely on it for strong anonymity.
How to set up Tor in Ubuntu Dapper Drake:
These instructions only apply if you have the universe repo installed. Not set up? Find out how to set up the extra repositories in Ubuntu
- Run the command: apt-get install tor privoxy
- Run the command: sudo gedit /etc/privoxy/config
- Add the line (including the period at the end): forward-socks4a / localhost:9050 .
- Comment out the line: logfile logfile
- Comment out the line: jarfile jarfile
- Restart the Privoxy service: sudo /etc/init.d/privoxy restart
How to set up Firefox to work with Tor:
- Install the torbutton extension.
- Restart Firefox
- In the bottom right corner you'll have a text blurb saying: Tor Disabled
- Enable Tor by clicking the blurb; it should say: Tor Enabled
- Surf the web
You can customize the blurb so that its a nicer looking icon. Right click the blurb, go to Preferences, and set Status Bar Display Format to Icon.
You will also notice that your connection is slower; taking longer to load webpages. This is one of the disadvantages of Tor as it has to route your connections to different places.
Of course if your accessing services across the net using your account, perhaps Gmail. They do know who you are, but they won't be able to judge where you are accessing from. So if you want to really be anonymous, becareful of your activity.
So go ahead, use Tor when you are in an unsafe situation. When you don't trust the network or geographical location you are in. Perhaps you want to access a site that has blocked off all computers in a given area, and your included. Maybe you just want to surf a little safer while drinking a cup of coffee at Starbucks. Or just maybe you don't want to be tracked. At least you know Tor is a click away.
I'll put up instructions on how to set up more services later.
In the words of Victor Hugo:
"There is one thing stronger than all the armies in the world, and that is an idea whose time has come."
