Unfiltered internet access for Iran
Haystack Network
25-Jul-2009 (2 comments)

Haystack is a new program to provide unfiltered internet access to the people of Iran. A software package for Windows, Mac and Unix systems, called Haystack, specifically targets the Iranian government’s web filtering mechanisms.

Similar to Freegate, the program directed against China’s “great firewall,” once installed Haystack will provide completely uncensored access to the internet in Iran while simultaneously protecting the user’s identity. No more Facebook blocks, no more government warning pages when you try to load Twitter, just unfiltered Internet.

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Ostaad

Austin Heap and his collaborators are nice people. But...

by Ostaad on

can we trust them not to share the info they collect about you by routing your Internet communication through THEIR servers with the US and other governments?

For example what prevents, let's say, the Israeli government, or the Iranian government to setup some proxy sites and have Austin Heaps software called Haystack, which you have to download and install on your computer, to route your Internet connections to their servers and keep tons of information about you, the sites you visit and your search engine usage (this may sound far fetched, but it's possible that's all I'm saying)?

I hate to be an alarmist but as a computer security instructor, I feel obligated to warn my fellow Iranians to be extra careful when seeminly well meaning strangers offer you candy in the form of "unfiltered access". Yes, you may evade IRI's filters, but how do you know the private company that has let you download its "agent" will not monitor your communication on behalf of "someone esle"?!!!

Maybe Mr. Heap or someone else can answer this questios. Given the US laws that prohibit exporting computer software to Iran, why the US government has not come down on the people and organizations that allow downloading their "anonymizer" softare like a ton of brick and prosecute them for violating the US export laws? You and I would end up in jail for exporting a single copy of Microsoft Excel to Iran! 

I am not trying to discourage anyone from beating the system, but I'd like people to be aware. 

I did read the Mr. Heap's Privacy Policy and I did not find it convincing at all because it was talking about protecting your privacy when you connect to THEIR web site. There was nothing about protecting your privacy when you use the software to connect to any of their proxy sites which are operated by others.

Do you thing, but remember that in the cyberspace you can't hide because someone, in the case the proxy operator, can identify you and you can ALWAYS be tracked.


Little Tweet

Haystack

by Little Tweet on

I didn't see a download button on your page. Where is the program?