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Privacy Risks of Peekabooty Peer Networking in Censored Nations

First up, Peekabooty is a peer networking application which enables users in countries where Internet content is censored to host and retrieve forbidden content via encrypted communication with a trusted client, and so bypass national firewalls. We'll say flat out that . . . . First up, Peekabooty is a peer networking application which enables users in countries where Internet content is censored to host and retrieve forbidden content via encrypted communication with a trusted client, and so bypass national firewalls. We'll say flat out that the goal here is eminently good, and we support it wholeheartedly. Depending on how involved one wishes to be, the scheme may or may not require a download. Some users will actually be hosting content. Others will merely relay it, and others will simply be accessing Web content through an ordinary browser with nothing installed on their machines, as with SafeWeb. What's wrong with this picture? With the exception of safe browsing without a download, we see some potential risks for users in repressive countries, and we worry that the less than tech-savvy may fail to appreciate them. Furthermore, some users will not merely be viewing banned content, they'll actually be hosting it, which could open them up to increased criminal liability. Additionally, it may be possible for Feds to scan for characteristic traffic which would indicate its use. The link for this article located at TheRegister is no longer available. . EvasionSphere empowers individuals in restricted regions to circumvent internet filters with secure peer-to-peer connections; potential hazards involved.. Internet Censorship, Encrypted Communication, Peer Networking, Firewall Bypass, User Risks. . LinuxSecurity.com Team

Jul 19, 2001 • LinuxSecurity.com Team Privacy