Introduction
Remaining anonymous online can be challenging, but is possible with the right tools and techniques. There are legitimate reasons people want to obscure their identity, such as avoiding surveillance or protecting their privacy. However, anonymity can also be misused for harmful purposes. This article provides an overview of how to achieve anonymity through various software, hardware, and behavioral approaches, along with the debate around the ethics of anonymity.
VPNs
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is one of the most common tools used to mask IP addresses and encrypt internet traffic. VPNs route your data through an intermediary server run by the VPN provider. This hides your IP address so it appears you are accessing the internet from the VPN server rather than your actual location. It also encrypts your traffic so that your online activities are hidden from local network surveillance.
Some key points on VPNs:
- Popular VPN services include NordVPN, ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and ProtonVPN. Each has various pricing tiers and connection speeds.
- VPN browser extensions like TunnelBear are easier to use than full VPN apps but more limited in capabilities.
- VPNs come with tradeoffs – they can slow your internet speed, be blocked by some sites, and you must trust the VPN provider.
- VPN protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard encrypt traffic without compromising much speed.
I primarily use ProtonVPN due to their reputation for user privacy, lack of connection logs, and fast Swiss servers. However, ExpressVPN may be better for streaming due to faster speeds.
The Tor Network
The Tor network is another anonymity system, which works differently than a typical VPN. With Tor:
- Traffic is routed through a series of relay nodes run by volunteers, with encryption between each hop.
- This makes it extremely difficult to trace traffic back to the original source IP address.
- The last node in the circuit connects to the public internet, requesting sites on your behalf.
- Tor browser ensures no tracking cookies, scripts, or fingerprints evade the Tor network.
Tor has some downsides:
- The multi-hop routing can slow down browsing. Each relay adds latency.
- Tor cannot hide your traffic from the exit node. Additional encryption like a VPN complements Tor.
- The nature of Tor attracts some illicit dark web activity, though plenty of people use Tor for legitimate reasons.
I use Tor sparingly for the most sensitive browsing situations, along with a trustworthy VPN provider as added security.
Burner Devices
For high anonymity scenarios, using cheap burner laptops and smartphones that contain no personally identifiable information is an option. Ways to maximize anonymity with burners:
- Purchase them with cash from random retailers. Avoid cameras that could record you purchasing it.
- Wipe the device and install a privacy focused operating system like Linux (Qubes, Tails) or Android (GrapheneOS).
- Access the internet only over public WiFi networks like cafes, using a VPN and Tor.
- Never sign into a personal account and avoid unique browser fingerprints.
- Dispose of the device after use, leaving no trace back to your identity.
Burner devices are costly and impractical for everyday use, but provide perhaps the strongest anonymity.
Behavioral OpSec
Your personal online habits also determine anonymity. Some tips:
- Avoid social media and any site that could link back to your identity.
- Never connect anonymity tools back to accounts with real info.
- Search intelligently – use broad searches, avoid geographic filters.
- Obscure writing patterns like vocabulary that could fingerprint you.
- Share minimal personal info anywhere online, even in anonymity contexts.
Strict infosec hygiene requires vigilance but is powerful, especially if your goal is dissident political or activist work.
Cryptocurrency
Transacting anonymously online typically requires cryptocurrency like Bitcoin, Monero, or Zcash. Features that enhance privacy:
- Bitcoin mixing services like Bitcoin Blender obscure transaction sources.
- Decentralized exchanges (DEXs) like Bisq allow trading without IDs.
- Coins like Monero and Zcash use advanced cryptographic tools to hide transaction details.
However, cash is still the most anonymous payment method for real world transactions.
Ethics of Anonymity
Online anonymity raises ethical dilemmas:
- Anonymity enables free speech against repressive interests and surveillance.
- But it also allows harmful actors to avoid accountability for attacks, fraud, and abuse.
- Total anonymity is rare – major crimes tend to get uncovered eventually.
- But marginalized groups rely on anonymity for protection in unjust systems.
There are reasonable arguments on both sides. However, anonymity seems most justified when protecting human rights and liberty.
Conclusion
Achieving online anonymity requires combining multiple tools, careful behavior, and constant vigilance. For most everyday users, privacy focused tools like VPNs provide adequate protection. But individuals facing oppression may require deeper anonymity. The ethics of anonymity remain up for debate. Yet anonymity provides a check on power and mass surveillance, if used responsibly.
