The Tor Project has revealed the launch of Tor Browser 14.0, marking a substantial update to this privacy-focused web browser. This release is based on Mozilla Firefox ESR 128, containing a year’s worth of upstream changes from Firefox, and contains multiple enhancements for both desktop and Android users.
Tor Browser 14.0 is the first steady release based on Firefox ESR 128. The change affected a complete audit of over 200 Bugzilla problems to ensure that privacy and safety remain uncompromised. Users will notice design updates inherited from Firefox, such as more serious typography and adjusted line measurements, which desire to enhance font compatibility and accessibility.
The new version enhances the usability and compatibility of fingerprinting protections, allowing elements like picture-in-picture and screenshots without compromising user privacy. These advances are part of continuing actions to sustain strong protection against tracking and surveillance while improving user experience.
Android Improvement
For Android customers, Tor Browser 14.0 presents a new element permitting users to ask a “New course for this site” straight from the browser’s menu.
This substitutes the earlier “New identity” element accessed via Android’s message drawer, delivering a more targeted strategy for fixing connectivity issues with specific websites. Originally, Tor Browser 13.5 was set to be the last version supporting Windows 7, 8, 8.1, and macOS 10.12-10.14.
Regardless, Tor Browser 14.0 extends help for these media temporarily, guaranteeing they resume obtaining critical safety updates until at least March 2025. This conclusion aligns with Mozilla’s comprehensive support timeline for Firefox ESR 115. Despite its improvements, Tor Browser 14.0 has some known issues:
- Android Users: Those operating Guardian Project’s F-Droid storage may face update pauses due to continuing problems since version 13.5.3. Users can alternatively download the APK directly from the Tor website or use Google Play for updates.
- Windows Compatibility Mode: Users operating Tor Browser in compatibility mode on Windows 10 or 11 might face problems where the system misidentifies as Windows 7, concerning updates to version 14.0.
The development of Tor Browser is a community-driven endeavor, with important assistance from volunteers who tackle bugs and improve components across media. The Tor Project believes these donations as important to its assignment of delivering safe and private internet access.
Tor Browser 14.0 denotes a major step ahead in improving user privacy and safety while enhancing usability across machines. With its updated strategy, improved components, and resumed support for legacy systems, it stays a vital tool for those desiring obscurity online.
Users are urged to install the latest version from the official Tor website and believe in contributing to the project via feedback or contributions, particularly as all donations are reached until the end of the year.