App Guide

Tor

Name: Tor 

Owned By: Zentire Apps

Category: Utilities 

Operating System: IOS and Android

Available for download: Yes 

Desktop version: Yes 

Approximate release date: 2015

Age Rating*: Rated 17+ for the following: 

  • Unrestricted web access 

Brief Description*: Online Privacy. Browse Privately. Explore Freely. TOR + VPN is the flagship app featuring both a VPN proxy and a TOR browser.

*Information from the App Store

  • Private browsing

    Individuals can browse the web with personal freedom and privacy.

  • Ability to access the deep web and dark web

    Individuals can only access the deep web and dark web with a private browser, such as TOR. 

  • Virtual Private Network (VPN)

    The TOR browser has a VPN to allow users to hide their internet activity and browse anonymously.

  • Used for business

    Typically, law enforcement uses TOR for private operations and investigations online.

  • Ability to hide your IP address

    With a VPN, your IP address will be hidden. When a hacker knows your IP address, they can use it to obtain personal information, such as your address and online identity.

  • Cyberbullying opportunities

    Cyberbullying could happen through a TOR browser; however, it is very unlikely.

  • Inappropriate content

    Users can include inappropriate images in their profile. Additionally, individuals can text inappropriate messages through the chat feature.

  • Connect to servers around the world

    TOR will randomly direct your traffic through a network of servers all around the world and encrypt traffic with multiple layers.

  • Collects user’s information

    Tor may collect data, including user content and diagnostics, but it’s not linked to your identity.

Reviewed By: Ryan

The Tor app web browser is what someone would need to access the Dark Web. You can’t get to the Dark web via common browsers like Google, Internet Explorer, or Firefox. You need a Tor browser, either the app or the browser, downloaded to a computer. Tor allows for a level of anonymity while browsing sites on the Dark Web. 

Curious youth may want to access the Dark Web and see what they can find. If you see the Tor app on their device (and there are several versions), then this is a red flag for them visiting the Dark Web. You can watch some videos to learn more about how the Dark Web functions. If you find out your child has accessed the Dark Web, here is an article to help you talk to them about it.

With any piece of technology, you should have a Technology Contract in place before they use it.  My #1 recommendation is not allowing anyone under the age of 18 years old to use the app.