NEW YORK — Pornhub announced last week that it has launched a mirror site, available now on the Tor network via an Onion URL.
Tor describes itself as an "effective censorship circumvention tool," one which allows users to access "otherwise blocked destinations or content" via a decentralized network that establishes an indirect connection for users, making it virtually impossible to trace a user's identity and location.
While site capabilities such as account login and the ability to upload content are not available while using the Tor browser, Pornhub feels that the move "serves to bolster user privacy, ensure network security and alleviate concerns about browsing habits among LGBT users whose preferences remain criminalized in certain countries."
The launch of Pornhub’s site on the Tor browser follows continued efforts on behalf of the company to ensure confidentiality and privacy for its users. In 2018, Pornhub launched a free virtual private network (VPN), also announcing that they would begin accepting cryptocurrency for all Pornhub purchases in the same year.
Pornhub VP, Corey Price, followed up on the company's latest move. "Here at Pornhub, we are privacy-conscious and dedicated to ensuring the confidentiality of our users. As ill-willed hackers and compromising surveillance practices become growing concerns, it’s important that we set up internal safeguards to help anonymize the online activity and communication of our users and keep their personal information and digital footprint free from prying eyes."
Price further referenced other major companies, including Facebook, The New York Times and most recently the BBC that have similarly set up Tor mirror sites.
"We wanted to follow in their footsteps and introduce a Tor mirror site for Pornhub users," he concluded. "This will help ensure their browsing experience is anonymous, private and secure."
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