What it is
Tor (The Onion Router) is a free tool that hides where you’re coming from online. When you use Tor Browser, your traffic is bounced through several volunteer-run relays before it reaches a website. Each hop only knows the next one, so sites can’t easily tie your activity to your IP or location. It’s privacy tech—not a magic cloak—and it doesn’t make risky downloads or bad passwords safe.
Why it matters
Tor helps keep your browsing more private on public Wi-Fi, reduces tracking, and lets people reach sites that might be blocked in their country. Journalists, researchers, and everyday users rely on it to avoid profiling and snooping.
How it works
Layers (“onion”): your request is wrapped in layers of encryption.
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Relays: traffic passes through entry → middle → exit relays.
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Exit: the last relay talks to the website; your real IP stays hidden.
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Tor Browser: adds anti-tracking and fingerprinting defenses by default.
Red flags
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Logging into personal accounts (school, bank, social) can reveal who you are despite Tor.
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Sites without HTTPS let exit relays see what you send.
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“Free Tor” apps that aren’t Tor Browser (malware or fake services).
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Torrents and some plugins can leak your real IP.
Do it right
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Get Tor Browser from the official site and keep it updated.
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Prefer HTTPS; don’t enter private details on HTTP pages.
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Avoid logging into accounts that tie back to your real identity.
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Don’t install extra browser add-ons; they can fingerprint you.
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If Tor is blocked, use bridges (built-in option) to connect.