Do you want to help Iranians keep their privacy? Run a TOR node!

A few days ago, I wrote about the political tension in Iran that resulted in blocked web sites, blocked cell phone transmissions, text messaging, etc. and the fact that Iranian Internet users use Tor to overcome censorship.

Now, you can do something for these users that try to keep their privacy and express freely. Here is an initiative of Electronic Frontier Foundation (eff.org):

Tor’s design relies on a robust network of “volunteer computers” (a.k.a. relays) to pass messages back and forth. This means that the speed and quality of a Tor users’ browsing experience relies extensively on the number of volunteer computers there are to pass messages along. This is where volunteers can make a difference — setting up additional relays improves access for dissident Iranians and other users of the Tor network. The more people who help out, the better and more quickly the network runs. If you’re interested in helping out, find and follow instructions for configuring a Tor relay on the Tor website.

Those looking to help fight censorship should also consider providing a Tor bridge. Bridges come into play when an ISP decides to try blocking users’ access to the Tor network. (For now, there seems to only be anecdotal evidence of Iran attempting to block the use of Tor. However, Iran has recntly been practicing reactive and centralized blocking, which makes any effective block of Tor far more likely.) The Tor bridge configuration differs from a relay in that your computer does not appear in the public Tor network. Instead, users looking for access to the Internet through Tor can receive your Tor routing information through more private channels, then configure their Tor client to transmit requests through your computer. By not appearing in the public Tor network, your Tor routing information is less likely to end up on an ISP filter and can provide help for a longer period of time — but recognize that the network needs both relays and bridges

Whatever you think of Iranian political situation, you probably agree that Iranian citizens should be allowed to communicate freely. Now, you can do something to help them!

[Help Protesters in Iran: Run a Tor Bridge or a Tor Relay]