Twitter’s rolled out a new privacy-protected version of its site, designed to dodge surveillance and censorship. This move comes after Russia restricted Twitter access within its borders.
Following its invasion of Ukraine, Russia has been blocking access to various platforms, including Facebook, in an effort to limit the flow of information. Both Facebook and Twitter have responded, pledging to find ways to restore access for Russians, even as they crack down on Russia’s state media outlets on their own services.
This new, “onion” version of Twitter is accessible through the Tor browser, a tool people use to navigate the “dark web,” allowing anonymity and sidestepping censorship. Unlike traditional websites ending in .com, these “onion” sites end in .onion. While the “dark web” often brings up thoughts of shady dealings like the Silk Road, it’s also a haven for folks seeking anonymity and a way around government censorship. Facebook, the BBC, and others already have versions on Tor, so Twitter’s joining that club.
Alec Muffett, a software engineer and internet security expert who has collaborated with other companies on onion sites, announced Twitter’s new service, calling it “the most important and long-awaited tweet” he’s ever written.
Meanwhile, Russia’s expanding its grip on information, blocking platforms like BBC, Voice of America, and Radio Free Europe, along with Facebook and Twitter. The Kremlin’s new legislation has criminalized the spread of any information counter to its official stance on the Ukraine invasion, threatening prison sentences. Media companies and platforms are pushing back against these harsh measures, standing up against state-controlled narratives.
In a world where misinformation is increasingly weaponized to stir division, there are countless forces that threaten the free flow of information—state censorship, special-interest groups challenging scientific truths, and wealthy influencers trying to silence unwelcome stories. The battle for transparent, fact-based journalism isn’t just fought in the newsroom; it’s an ongoing struggle against a rising tide of disinformation and control.
