The new Snowflake feature in Brave browser helps bypass Tor Blocks

Yesterday’s release of Brave Browser 1.47 included the Snowflake extension to the software’s settings. This allows users to transform their devices into proxy servers that allow users from censored areas to connect to Tor.

Brave already supported Tor Bridges with Tor in Private Windows With Tor version 1.44 released September 20,22. This allows users to bypass for countries that use the company’s resources.

Brave users are now able to participate in the voluntary effort to protect freedom of information, even in places where governments might try to limit it.

Tor Bridges

Tor Bridges, relays that are operated by volunteers and allow people to bypass Tor blockages and censorship by providing an alternate entry point to Onion networks.

To protect the bridges from local regimes or their operators who may try to prevent them access, they are not publicly listed.

Brave lets users use Bridges. To do this, navigate to the “Settings Menu – Privacy and Security – Tor Windows” menu. There users have the option to choose a Bridge built in, ask for one at Torproject.org or go directly to a bridge that they’ve received from trusted sources.

For additional information about Tor Bridges in Brave visit web page with extensive instructions.

Tor Snowflake

, a peer to-peer network traffic connectivity platform . This proxy works in conjunction with WebRTC to assign temporary Tor Bridges automatically to people who require them, while keeping their anonymity.

This makes it much easier to track and stop the block bypassing system.

Brave users can choose Snowflake from the Tor Bridge settings. Or, they may volunteer to add and enable the Snowflake extension for others. The required Brave installations will be performed automatically by turning the settings on “on”.

For more information on how to enable Snowflake in your browser, check out Brave’s analytic guide.

Do you need to run Snowflake proxy?

Snowflake proxy use is not known to pose any security risks. The system also does not expose personal information about volunteers. To allow the operation of the system, all IP addresses are protected.

These volunteers aren’t just intermediaries connecting to other websites, but they also relay encrypted messages among Snowflake users.

Only three categories of users should not volunteer to join the Snowflake network: those who live in countries that Tor is blocked; those using work/company computers and those who have limited internet access.