The Tor Project Merges With Tails, Linux-Based OS for Privacy.
In a significant move to enhance online privacy and anonymity, the Tor Project and Tails, a Linux-based portable operating system, have announced a merger of their operations. This union is designed to foster better collaboration, reduce operational overhead, and improve the accessibility of privacy-preserving tools for users worldwide.
The initiative was spearheaded by Tails, which approached the Tor Project in late 2023 with the proposal to merge. Tails had outgrown its existing operational structure and was facing challenges in managing critical tasks such as fundraising, finances, and human resources. Integrating with the Tor Project, which has a larger and more established operational framework, offered a viable solution to these issues.
The Tor Project, founded in 2006, is a global non-profit organization renowned for developing tools that ensure online privacy and anonymity. Its flagship product, the Tor Browser, anonymizes internet traffic by routing it through multiple encrypted servers, thereby protecting users from tracking and surveillance. The Tor Project has been a key supporter of Tails, providing funding and resources over the years.
Tails, or "The Amnesic Incognito Live System," is a Debian-based Linux distribution that runs entirely from removable storage media, such as a USB drive. This portable operating system is designed to leave no digital footprint, making it an essential tool for individuals seeking to protect their privacy. Tails connects to the internet exclusively through the Tor network, providing a comprehensive layer of anonymization for all data exchanges.
The merger between the two projects builds on a 15-year history of collaboration and solidarity. Tails' first release was announced on a Tor mailing list, and since 2015, the developers of both projects have been working closely together. Recently, Tails has been a sub-grantee of the Tor Project, further solidifying their partnership.
By joining forces, the Tails team will now be able to focus on their core mission of maintaining and improving Tails OS, while exploring additional and complementary use cases. The larger organizational structure of the Tor Project will provide the necessary support, enabling the Tails team to manage their workload more efficiently and reduce stress on their workers.
This merger is expected to enhance the overall capability of both organizations to counter global mass surveillance and censorship. It will allow for easier collaboration, better sustainability, reduced overhead, and expanded training and outreach programs. The combined resources will enable faster and more efficient integration of new features, addressing a wider range of privacy needs and security scenarios.
For users, particularly activists, journalists, and other at-risk individuals, this merger promises a more comprehensive solution for digital security. While the Tor Browser anonymizes online activity, Tails secures the entire operating system, from files to browsing sessions. This integrated approach will provide robust protection against both network and system-level threats in high-risk environments.
The merger also aims to boost user outreach for Tails OS, which has historically had lower visibility compared to the more mainstream Tor Project. By bringing Tails under the Tor Project's umbrella, the organization can introduce this powerful tool to a broader audience, ensuring more individuals have access to the privacy and security they need.
In statements, key figures from both organizations expressed relief and optimism about the merger. Intrigeri, the Team Lead for Tails OS, noted that managing non-technical tasks had been the most challenging aspect of running Tails independently. "Running Tails as an independent project for 15 years has been a huge effort, but not for the reasons you might expect. The toughest part wasn’t the tech–it was handling critical tasks like fundraising, finances, and HR. After trying to manage those in different ways, I’m really relieved that Tails is now under the Tor Project’s wing. In a way, it feels like coming home," Intrigeri said.
Isabela Fernandes, Executive Director of the Tor Project, emphasized the benefits of the merger: "By bringing these two organizations together, we’re not just making things easier for our teams, but ensuring the sustainable development and advancement of these vital tools. Working together allows for faster, more efficient collaboration, enabling the quick integration of new features from one tool to the other. This collaboration strengthens our mission and accelerates our ability to respond to evolving threats".
This merger marks a significant step forward in the fight against digital surveillance and censorship, ensuring that essential tools for online privacy and anonymity remain robust and accessible to those who need them most.