Question

For this question, we want you to explore this debate.

Start by reading this article on The Conversation:

https://theconversation.com/ the-darknet-is-not-a-hellhole-its-an-answer-to-internet-privacy-101420

Describe how the TOR network provides anonymity and how this can be used for both positive and negative purposes. In your description, come to a conclusion as to whether you think more people should use the TOR network or not.

The maximum word limit is 300 words,

Answer 1

How does Tor Network work?

• Tor Network is used for encrypting the traffic so that no one can traceback from where one is surfing the internet but how does it actually work. So, let me clear it out here that the tor network is running through a number of computer servers of the volunteers which are spread throughout the world.
• Along with it the network also strips away the part of packet's header which is a very important part for addressing the information that can be used to trace back the sender of the packets. The details that we can find from the headers are like which operating system is being in use, which browser, etc.
• Finally, after all this Tor will encrypt the rest of the packets wrapper using some unique encryption techniques and this is the things which can only be done with the help of Tor Network and cannot be done while connected to the normal internet connection.
• After this, at the receiver's end, the relay will help in decrypting only the part of addressing information through which it will be able to send the request back from where it came and will never decrypt the whole addressing information.

Positive points:

• Tor network helps in surfing the web anonymously which is one of the biggest advantages of the network and also as it is an open-source project it can be used by anyone without any restrictions.
• It does not consist of any advertisements and only saves our time and keep the privacy of the user intact.

Negative points:

• The tor network due to the anonymity can be used very drastically by the user. As we have seen in past times that it has been used for very unethical issues such as hacking into networks, doing illegal stuff on the internet, etc.
• It increases crimes such as abuse or corruption, publishing anonymous posts which are able to harm religious and cultural feelings of people, giving growth to the terrorism, etc.

Hence, these are some of the positive and negative points on the TOR network and I would only suggest the users use the TOR network but not for negative purpose and only for spreading positivity towards the world to spread knowledge and take advantage of the privacy it ensures us with.