The price of populism: a new era of privacy challenges
2025 has so far been filled with escalating geopolitical tensions, casting a long shadow over the fundamental rights of privacy and other freedoms. The resurgence of populist and authoritarian tendencies in the west, exemplified and accelerated by the United States of America, poses a significant threat to established democratic norms. The weaponization of information, the spread of disinformation and the erosion of trust in democratic institutions create a fertile ground for further privacy violations and restrictions of freedoms.
The erosion of trust
It is important to recognize that the digital landscape is constantly evolving, and the threats to privacy are becoming more complex. Previously, the situation was fairly straightforward, where especially the West joined forces to promote basic freedoms in countries where freedom is not a given. Together, we stood to counter repression and to provide citizens all over the world with the means to circumvent repression. The Tor network is a good example of such a joint effort.
However, this dynamic has been fundamentally altered. The United States of America, once a key country in these endeavors, can no longer be trusted to uphold these principles. Recent shifts in leadership and a discernible slide towards authoritarian or even totalitarian tendencies have eroded its credibility. This transformation has left a significant void, creating uncertainty and undermining the unified front that was previously crucial in supporting global freedom.
Consequently, privacy-focused and research-focused organizations based in the United States of America are now facing a deeply compromised environment. Reduced funding, the end of freedom of research and the ever-present threat of government pressure mean that their reliability and effectiveness can no longer be guaranteed. The erosion of trust in the US government inevitably extends to these organizations, further complicating the landscape of promoting and safeguarding fundamental rights globally. And sadly, this holds true for the Tor Project as well.
Radical strategies for independence
In this evolving and increasingly precarious environment, it is no longer sufficient for US-based organizations dedicated to privacy and freedom to operate under traditional assumptions. It is imperative that they proactively and aggressively develop effective mitigating measures against potential government interference or pressure. This includes exploring radical strategies to safeguard not only their operational independence and the integrity of their work, but also the safety and well-being of their personnel.
Simultaneously, a crucial focus must be placed on diversifying their financial income streams to reduce reliance on US government funding. Building a robust and independent financial base will be essential for these organizations to continue their vital work without undue influence.
The power of collaboration
Also, the importance of collaborative efforts cannot be overstated. Now more than ever, unity provides strength, particularly within Europe. By working together, sharing resources and coordinating strategies, European nations can create a more resilient and effective framework for protecting fundamental rights and supporting those who strive for or need freedom worldwide.
And the same holds true for European privacy infrastructure providers such as Nothing to hide. We need to collaborate where we can.
Our commitment
Anonymity networks such as the Tor network stand as a vital bastion for those seeking to exercise their fundamental rights to privacy and freedom of expression. Needless to say, in these challenging times our commitment to safeguarding privacy and freedom remains steadfast.
In response to the escalating political and financial pressures impacting US-based organizations dedicated to privacy, we are scaling our infrastructure and privacy services throughout 2025. To directly assist those affected, we offer free and secure hosting for static websites and data backup solutions for critical data. If your organization requires this support, please reach out to us to explore whether we’re a good match to help ensure the continuity of your work.