An analysis of tools for online anonymity

The ability to remain anonymous while engaging in different activities online is increasingly sought after by consumers with privacy concerns. Currently the only way to maintain online anonymity is through the use of technology. This paper reviews and analyzes the tools currently available to consumers to maintain online anonymity. There are only four tools available to consumers to ensure online anonymity: anonymous remailers, rewebbers, Tor, and the Invisible Internet Project (I2P). These tools provide the protection needed for an Internet user to remain anonymous but suffer from a lack of usability and adoption. We further examine the possible explanations for the slow adoption and development of online anonymity technology.