Onion Control (anonymous proxy)

Onion Control (anonymous proxy)

Brings the anonymity of the Tor network and modifies few settings to protect user privacy

What is Onion Control (anonymous proxy)?
Onion Control (anonymous proxy) is a Firefox add-on that launches a Tor executable in the background to implement a SOCKS5 proxy. It increases user privacy by concealing real IP addresses and safeguards against IP leaks through WebRTC. This add-on also allows the user to request a new identity to maintain the browsing anonymity. It uses a unique communication port, to avoid any clashes with existing instances of Tor and supports both Mac and Windows OS.
Merlin
Stats
Users: 733 ▲ 18
Rating: 4.10 (40)
Version: 0.1.5 (Last updated: 2020-12-22)
Creation date: 2017-08-12
Weekly download count: 58
Firefox on Android: No
Risk impact: Moderate risk impact
Risk likelihood: Low risk likelihood
Manifest version: 2
Permissions:
  • storage
  • proxy
  • privacy
  • notifications
  • nativeMessaging
Size: 183.62K
Stats date:

Other platforms

Not available on Chrome
Not available on Edge
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Merlin
Summary

This extension starts a Tor executable in the background. When the connection is successfully established, it redirects all your traffic through Tor's anonymous network to increase user privacy. This is done by dynamically changing the proxy configuration of your browser to use a SOCKS5 proxy. When your browser is connected to the Tor network, WebRTC gets disabled to prevent your public IP from revealing your identity (optional feature; enabled by default).

Note that for the extension to run the Tor executable, you will need to install a NodeJS native client. This is a bridge connector to allow the extension to execute Tor commands. You will get a notification on the first use to install this native client.

It is possible to request a new identity (new IP) right from the extension toolbar popup view. Also, since the extension uses its unique communication port, there will be no conflict with other running instances of Tor (like Tor Browser).

Please read FAQ #1 on the homepage of the extension to prepare the extension to use Tor executable. For now, the Tor bundle is prepared for Mac OS and Windows. On Linux, install the tor as usual and set the path on the options page.

If you have a suggestion to improve this extension or have found a bug please report on https://github.com/andy-portmen/tor-bundle/

User reviews
User reviews summary
These summaries are automatically generated weekly using AI based on recent user reviews. Firefox Browser Add-ons does not verify user reviews, so some user reviews may be inaccurate, spammy, or outdated.
Pros
  • Adds an extra layer to TOR to enhance privacy
  • Easy to configure when instructions are followed
  • Eliminates the need to start tor-browser each time
Cons
  • Complex installation process
  • Issues with Tor connection establishment
  • Errors when add-on is in use
Most mentioned
  • Tor Bundle
  • Instructions to install
  • Native client
Recent reviews
Followed the instructions down to a T, still doesn't establish a a connection to Tor. Completely useless add-on.
by user2859025, 2023-10-04
View all user reviews
Safety
Risk impact

Onion Control (anonymous proxy) may not be safe to use and it requires some risky permissions. Exercise caution when installing this add-on. Review carefully before installing.

Risk likelihood

Onion Control (anonymous proxy) has earned a fairly good reputation and likely can be trusted.

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Screenshots