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1st Amendment Encrypted Openness LLC

We’re a volunteer-based group providing Tor relays, public metrics, and open-source tooling, guided by free expression principles recognized worldwide and in the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment.

Our volunteer-driven efforts increase privacy, freedom, and security for all.

Learn More

About 1st Amendment Encrypted Openness

1st Amendment Encrypted Openness (1AEO) is an independent internet freedom, education, research, and public-metrics project. While we strongly support The Tor Project, we are not officially affiliated with them. We publish resources and open-source tools for people interested in privacy and free expression. Our core principle is freedom of expression, recognized worldwide.

Why It Matters & Who Benefits

Whether you simply value privacy or live under a restrictive regime, 1AEO empowers anyone seeking online freedom. Our goal is to protect all internet users by promoting technology and tools like Tor that keep your connection private.

Access: Everyone should learn, research, and communicate freely.
Privacy: Keep your connection hidden from prying eyes and surveillance.
Free Expression: Speak openly regardless of location or background.

How It Works

Tor (short for The Onion Router) and maintained by The Tor Project, connects users to a more secure internet uing the Tor network encryption and decentralization.

What Is Tor?

Tor is free, open-source software that routes your traffic through volunteer-run relays. These multiple layers mask your IP address and increase difficulity of surveillance by governments or ISPs.

Why Use Tor?

Privacy: Helps shield you from surveillance, protecting your personal data.
Censorship Resistance: Access content that might be blocked in your region.
Free Expression: Share and receive information without fear of reprisals.

Get Involved

We rely on volunteers worldwide. Here’s how you can help:

Strengthen the Network: Run a volunteer relay node (Tor Relay Docs), donate server resources/bandwidth, or contribute to open-source development.
Grow the Community: Translate to localize content or answer questions in forums.
Spread Awareness: Share stories, host meetups, or promote on social media.

Join us in defending a free and open internet!

How to Get Started

New to Tor? Follow these steps:

Download & Install Tor Browser from the official Tor site. It connects automatically.
Browse & Stay Informed: Keep your IP hidden, avoid mixing personal logins if you want anonymity, and follow Tor updates for best practices.

Best Practices

Don’t Mix Identities: Avoid logging into personal accounts if you want full anonymity.
Stay Updated: Always use the latest version of Tor Browser for security fixes.
Practice Safe Browsing: Don’t download or run unfamiliar files while browsing via Tor.

Contact Us

Legal & Privacy: We do not log or monitor network connections, nor do we retain access logs, ensuring privacy and anonymity under applicable laws. We provide Tor relays “as is,” without warranties or liability for user actions or content, and emphasize user responsibility for lawful usage. By using our Tor relays, you acknowledge sole responsibility for complying with local laws and practicing safe online behavior. If you contact us, we use your email only for direct communication and do not share or sell your data. We do not condone illegal activity or misuse of these tools. We do not offer any service, such as subscriber accounts, customer VPN service, email, messaging, hosting, or cloud storage

Tor is a trademark or registered trademark of The Tor Project, Inc. For more information, visit the official Tor Project Trademark Policy.