Lantern (software)
 | This article needs to be updated. (December 2015) |
| Original author(s) | Adam Fisk[1] |
|---|---|
| Repository | |
| Written in | Go |
| Operating system | Linux, OS X, Windows |
| Type | Internet censorship circumvention |
| License | Apache License 2.0[2] |
| Website | getlantern |
Lantern is a free peer-to-peer internet censorship circumvention software. It provides a way to bypass state-sanctioned filtration through a network of trusted users, but it's not an anonymity tool like Tor.[1] Using Lantern, users in countries having free internet access can share their bandwidth with those who are in countries where the network is partly blocked.[3] Network connections will be dispersed between multiple computers running Lantern so it will not put undue stress on a single connection or computer.[4]
Lantern's CEO and lead developer is Adam Fisk, a former lead engineer of LimeWire and LittleShoot.[5]
In early versions, Lantern's framework requires the use of Google Talk for users to invite other trusted users from their Google Talk contacts.[4] It's financed through US Department of State seed funding. These have raised some concerns about privacy of users.[1] Though Fisk has said the State Department is "incredibly hands off" and never dictates how they should write Lantern, or how they should talk about it.[4]
In early December 2013 Lantern had a surge of Chinese users and could reach from 200 users to 10,000 users in just two weeks.[6] Soon after that, the network was almost blocked by Chinese government.[7]
The 2.0 version was released in 2015, users not required to connect by invite.
The software is financed by US$2.2 million (HK$17.1 million) seed funding by the US State Department.[8]
See also
References
- ^ a b c GUTHRIE WEISSMAN, CALE (October 22, 2013). "Here's an anti-Internet censorship program for activists by activists". pando.com. Retrieved 13 March 2014.
- ^ "LICENSE". GitHub. 27 August 2015. Retrieved 27 August 2015.
- ^ "Anti-firewall tool Lantern infiltrated by Chinese censors". South China Morning Post. 11 December 2013. Retrieved 13 March 2014.
- ^ a b c MCKENZIE, JESSICA (October 22, 2013). "Could State Department Funded Lantern Be Bigger, Better Tor?". Retrieved 13 March 2014.
- ^ "NEXT GENERATION ANTI-CENSORSHIP TOOLS - PANELIST BIOS". techATstate. March 6, 2013. Retrieved 13 March 2014.
- ^ "Lantern Program Allows Chinese to Dodge Firewall - China Digital Times (CDT)". China Digital Times. China Digital Times. December 5, 2013. Retrieved 13 March 2014.
- ^ "China blocks censorship circumvention software Lantern after a surge of Chinese users". TECH IN ASIA. December 11, 2013. Retrieved 13 March 2014.
- ^ "US-funded Lantern program allows Chinese to dodge Great Firewall and view banned websites". South China Morning Post. 4 December 2013. Retrieved 13 January 2016.