Tails 6.18 Unveiled: New WebTunnel Bridges Bypass Internet Censorship
The Tails project has released a new version of its security- and privacy-focused operating system. Update 6.18 introduces a significant enhancement that enables users to circumvent internet censorship—even in the most heavily monitored regions.
The centerpiece of this release is support for WebTunnel bridges for connecting to the Tor network. This technology offers an advanced method of disguising internet traffic to resemble ordinary web activity. Whereas traditional obfs4 bridges could be detected and blocked by censorship systems, WebTunnel connections are virtually indistinguishable from standard web browsing. These bridges can be obtained via a dedicated page on the Tor Project’s website.
To grasp the importance of this update, one must first understand what Tails represents. It is a live operating system that boots from a USB stick or DVD and leaves no trace on the host computer after use. All user activity is routed through the Tor network, ensuring anonymity and shielding against surveillance. The system is particularly favored by journalists, activists, and anyone for whom digital privacy is paramount.
In addition to WebTunnel bridge support, the developers have updated key system components. The Tor Browser has been upgraded to version 14.5.5 with the latest security patches, while the Thunderbird email client has been updated to version 128.12. These enhancements ensure that users remain safeguarded against emerging threats.
Users running Tails version 6.0 or newer can upgrade automatically while retaining their persistent storage data. For those using older versions or preferring a clean installation, a full system image is available for download. It is important to note that a clean installation will erase all existing data.
The release of Tails 6.18 is particularly timely, given the increasing restrictions on internet access across many parts of the world. WebTunnel bridges may prove to be a lifeline for those confronting digital repression, preserving their ability to access information freely and communicate anonymously.
