Redditors accuse popular Kickstarter project of misleading the public

Redditors accuse popular Kickstarter project of misleading the public

"Buyer beware" as claims of false representation have arisen around a new crowd-sourced security device.

Reddit commenters are raising questions about an Internet router called Anonabox that’s designed to make all your online activity anonymous and conceal your location. The device was the darling of Kickstarter this week as interest in the device has generated more than $500,000 in funding since its launch on Monday.

However, many are now questioning the authenticity of the product’s claims, specifically related to its “custom” hardware and software. Claims of false representation abound as many point out that Anonabox clearly resembles some already-available Chinese mini routers.

The low-cost gadget, which started at $45 for early backers, runs on Tor, software that enables users to access web connections anonymously. People might want anonymity online for many reasons, whether it is to securely share Wi-Fi with visitors or to avoid government surveillance. The device is small enough that two could fit in an empty cigarette pack.

Anonabox is not the first attempt at incorporating Tor software into a mobile unit. There is the Onion Pi router and iCloak Stik USB drive, as well as the “Tor in a box” Safeplug, although it’s been criticized for not being entirely secure. But Anonabox’s developers believe it’s the best of its kind because it avoids common security flaws by leaving its software and hardware open source, which means anyone could see the code or examine the hardware schematics to spot “backdoors.”

One of the main concerns is the company’s initial claim that Anonabox’s hardware board and plastic casing were custom-built. There are also accusations that the hardware isn’t the open source platform the developers claim. Since its debut, August Germar, one of the IT consultants developing Anonabox, partially reversed what he originally said about the board and case’s custom build.

The simplicity could offer online privacy to a greater amount of people and at greater convenience and could be more efficient than running Tor on a standard computer because the device does all of the heavy lifting in the background. When asked about the comparisons to existing devices, Germar said: “We have not invented anything and there are no patents on anything. We want to encourage people to make their own, if they so desire, because that’s what makes this project fun.”

Be social, please share!

Facebooktwittergoogle_plusredditpinterestlinkedintumblrmail

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *