Twitter, to bypass surveillance and censorship in Russia, has launched a privacy-protected version of its site thus maintaining service in the country.
Russia blocked access to Facebook and limited Twitter to restrict the flow of information about its war in Ukraine. Both the tech companies said they are working on restoring access to people inside Russia even as they restrict the country’s state media from their services.
Known as an “onion” service, users can access this version of Twitter if they download the Tor browser, which allows people to access sites on what is also referred to as the “dark web.” Instead of .com, onion sites have a .onion suffix. Regular websites, including Twitter.com, are also accessible on Tor, but the .onion versions are made specifically for Tor and prevent the site from being spoofed by malicious actors reported AP.
While the term “dark web” represents illegal sites, it is also often used by people seeking to remain anonymous for their safety and also to access sites censored by oppressive governments.
Facebook and other sites such as the BBC also have versions accessible on Tor. Twitter’s version has been in the works for some time, the company verified on Wednesday.
Software engineer and internet security expert Alec Muffett, who has worked with other companies to set up onion sites, announced Twitter’s new service on his own Twitter account.
-AP