online censorship Archives

AppWizard

August 5, 2026

Tor launches Snowflake Android app to help users bypass censorship

The Tor Project has launched Snowflake Volunteer, an Android app that allows users to share their internet bandwidth to help others bypass online censorship. Snowflake functions as a Tor pluggable transport, disguising user traffic as video calls and routing it through temporary proxies managed by volunteers, making detection by censors more difficult. The app was developed by Bloco, a Portuguese studio, in collaboration with Tor’s anti-censorship team and is designed to be user-friendly while minimizing battery consumption. Users can configure the app to operate on unmetered networks and limit connections. Snowflake Volunteer is available on Google Play and F-Droid, with its source code also accessible for independent use. Volunteers are advised to consider their data limits and device impact before using the app.

AppWizard

August 4, 2026

Tor launches Snowflake Android app to help users bypass censorship

The Tor Project has launched an Android app called Snowflake Volunteer, allowing users to share their internet bandwidth to help others bypass online censorship. The app enhances the network of volunteer-operated Snowflake proxies while enabling users to manage their device's battery and network usage. Snowflake disguises internet traffic to resemble video calls, making it harder for censors to block connections. Developed by Bloco in collaboration with Tor’s anti-censorship team, the app is built on mobile Tor components and is designed for background operation. Users can configure the app to run on unmetered networks and during charging. Snowflake Volunteer is available for download on Google Play and F-Droid, with its source code accessible for independent compilation. Volunteers are advised to consider their data limits and device performance when using the app.

AppWizard

November 30, 2025

Russian censorship agency threatens total block of WhatsApp citing terror links

Roskomnadzor, Russia's media regulator, has warned WhatsApp that it could be blocked unless it complies with local laws, citing concerns about the platform's use for terrorist activities and fraud. The agency highlighted WhatsApp's end-to-end encryption as an obstacle for law enforcement. Since August, Roskomnadzor has implemented gradual restrictions, including blocking voice calls and instructing telecom operators to stop text message verifications for new users, with a complete ban possible if compliance is not met. The regulator has suggested users switch to domestic alternatives, such as the state-backed MAX messaging app. WhatsApp has around 97 million users in Russia and has faced increasing scrutiny amid a broader crackdown on foreign messaging services. The company has reiterated its commitment to end-to-end encryption but has not publicly responded to Roskomnadzor's latest threats.

AppWizard

June 26, 2024

Seeking more teeth, Malaysia set to license social media, messaging apps

Malaysia is planning to implement a social media licensing regime to share revenue with local content producers and combat harmful content, but concerns have been raised about potential overreach. Industry and civil society representatives have expressed reservations about the lack of emphasis on digital revenue-sharing and preemptive actions to prevent offenses. The Cabinet approved the licensing proposal in April, including major platforms like Meta, Google, and TikTok. Concerns about freedom of speech have been heightened as Kuala Lumpur increases online censorship efforts. Stakeholders are also concerned about the lack of transparency in the drafting process and the government proposing a content code without sharing the draft with attendees of the briefings.