John Marsh 
Updated July 18th, 2019
The latest version of Tor Browser (8.5) is now available, including, for
the first time, as an Android port. An alpha version had been
implemented back in 2018 as an early test, but this time around users
can install a stable version.
The idea is to offer users of the browser-network the same encryption
and anonymity on their smartphone or tablet as on their computer, in
order to avoid censorship and surveillance. While some of the desktop
features are missing, the browser offers a particular focus on security.
Naturally, iOS users should not hold their breath for an Apple-approved
version.
As previously reported, Tor is based on an overlay network of over seven
thousand relays – layers of routers connected to Tor – that bounce
requests for information around the network, thus guaranteeing the
users’ anonymity. By using the Tor network, users can ensure that their
personal data (IP address, country) can no longer be identified by the
visited sites. As far as the browser is concerned, it is currently based
on Firefox and derivatives.
Tor has become a de facto alternative for American geeks wishing to
escape the watchful eye of the US National Security Agency, which has
garnered it a bit of a reputation as a portal to the “darknet” and its
associated illegal activities (arms sales, drug trafficking, and the
like).
You can now download Tor Browser for free on Google Play.
