Developed in the mid-1990s by researchers at the United States Naval Research Laboratory, its original purpose was to safeguard American intelligence communications online. Mathematician Paul Syverson and computer scientists Michael G. Reed and David Goldschlag sought a way to create internet connections that wouldn’t reveal who was communicating with whom. The concept behind Tor is onion routing, which involves encrypting and relaying network traffic through multiple layers, making it difficult to trace.

TOR was not only developed for intelligence purposes but also found significant use among U.S. soldiers. During their deployments and operations, soldiers needed secure and anonymous communication channels. Tor provided a way to protect their online activities, ensuring confidentiality and minimizing the risk of tracking by adversaries.

In 2003, Tor was released as a publicly available project. Tor’s impact extends beyond intelligence circles. It has become essential for journalists, activists, and whistleblowers who need secure communication. Additionally, Tor provides access to the dark web, where hidden websites and services exist. Privacy advocates worldwide rely on Tor to navigate the internet with increased security and confidentiality.

In 2006, the Tor Project, Inc. was established as a nonprofit organization to maintain and develop Tor. This marked a significant shift, emphasizing community-driven efforts and transparency.

During the same period, the Tor Project began developing bridges: A solution to address censorship. These bridges allowed users to bypass government firewalls, ensuring access to the open web. The battle against online censorship intensified, and Tor played a crucial role in providing uncensored communication channels.

In 2008, the Tor Browser was created. It is a user-friendly interface that made Tor accessible to everyday users. Now, anyone could download the Tor Browser and experience the benefits of anonymous browsing. Tor Browser simplified privacy and anonymity, empowering users to navigate the internet securely.

The Arab Spring, which began in late 2010, showcased Tor’s impact. As protests erupted across the Middle East, Tor became an important tool for activists, journalists, and citizens. It not only protected their identities online but also enabled access to critical resources, social media platforms, and blocked websites. Tor bridged the gap between information and action, allowing people to communicate freely even in repressive regimes.

Tor’s global impact continued to grow. Privacy advocates, digital rights organizations, and individuals seeking uncensored access recognized its value. The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) remained a steadfast supporter, ensuring Tor’s ongoing development and advocacy.