Help Combat Internet Censorship by Running a Snowflake Proxy (Browser or Android)
Internet censorship remains a critical threat to free expression and access to information worldwide. In regions like Iran, Russia, and Belarus, journalists, activists, and ordinary citizens face severe restrictions when trying to communicate or access uncensored news. You can support their efforts by operating a Snowflake proxy—a simple, low-impact way to contribute to a freer internet. No technical expertise is required. Here’s how it works:
What Is Snowflake?
Snowflake is a privacy tool integrated with the Tor network. By running a Snowflake proxy, you temporarily route internet traffic for users in censored regions, allowing them to bypass government or institutional blocks. Unlike traditional Tor relays, Snowflake requires minimal bandwidth, no configuration, and no ongoing maintenance. Your device acts as a temporary bridge, not a permanent node, ensuring both safety and ease of use.
Is This Safe for Me?
Yes. Here is why:
- Your IP address is not exposed to users or the websites they access.
- No activity logs. Snowflake cannot monitor or record what users do through your connection.
- Low resource usage. The data consumed is comparable to background app activity—far less than streaming video or music.
You are not hosting a VPN or a full Tor relay. Your role is limited to facilitating encrypted connections, similar to relaying a sealed envelope.
How to Set Up a Snowflake Proxy
Option 1: Browser Extension (Brave, Firefox, or Chrome)
- Install the Snowflake extension.
- Click the Snowflake icon in your browser toolbar and toggle “Enable Snowflake.”
- Keep the browser open. That’s all.
Note: Brave users can enable Snowflake directly in settings. Navigate to brave://settings/privacy and activate the option under “Privacy and security.”
Option 2: Android Devices via Orbot
- Download Orbot (Tor’s official Android app).
- Open the app’s menu, select “Snowflake Proxy,” and toggle it on.
- For continuous operation, keep your device charged and connected to Wi-Fi.
Your device will now contribute as a proxy whenever the app is active.
Addressing Common Concerns
- Battery drain: Negligible. Snowflake consumes fewer resources than typical social media or messaging apps.
- Data usage: Most users report under 1 GB per month. Adjust data limits in Orbot’s settings or restrict operation to Wi-Fi if necessary.
Why Your Participation Matters
Censorship mechanisms grow more sophisticated every year, but tools like Snowflake empower ordinary users to counteract them. Each proxy strengthens the Tor network’s resilience, making it harder for authoritarian regimes to isolate their populations. By donating a small amount of bandwidth, you provide someone with a critical connection to uncensored information, education, and global dialogue.
Recent surges in demand—particularly in Iran—highlight the urgent need for more proxies. Your contribution, however small, has an impact.
Summary
- Install the Snowflake extension on your browser.
- Android users: Enable Snowflake via Orbot.
- Activate the proxy and continue using your device as normal.
By participating, you become part of a global effort to defend digital rights and counter censorship.
Please share this post to raise awareness. The more proxies, the stronger the network.
– llama
Any way to run this on servers? I’d absolutely spin up a Docker image.
Instructions are here
https://community.torproject.org/relay/setup/snowflake/standalone/docker/
About how much bandwidth does this use? I know it says not much but can we be more specific. I want to help but have limited upload speeds.
- **Your IP address is not exposed** to users or the websites they access
Can anyone confirm this to be the case?
No, the whole point is that you expose your ip address so users in censored countries can connect to it. The proxy is between a user and a tor entry node.
Thank you for pointing that out. That was worded pretty badly.
For clarification, you’re not acting as an exit node if you’re running a snowflake proxy. Please, check Tor’s documentation and Snowflake’s documentation.
The person using your proxy knows what your IP address is, however. But, to your ISP, that connection will look like that person is on a call with you on, say, Zoom thanks to WebRTC.
yup, been doing this ever since it was availabe on orbot. easy to do and helpful to the Tor network users. please consider doing it yourself. thank you, OP!
Of course! I run several snowflake proxies across my devices and their browsers.
Why use an LLM to make this post?
I didn’t use an LLM to make the post. I did, however, use Claude to make it clearer since English is not my first language. I hope that answers your question.
Ok, the post feels like it’s made by an LLM, that’s why.
