Re: [tor-relays] safeguard operators (was: Reimbursement of Exit Operators)

["Gordon Morehouse" <gordon@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

On Thu, 19 Sep 2013 07:45:17 +0200, Konrad Neitzel <konrad@xxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

> Hi all!
> 
> On Wed, 2013-09-18 at 19:29 -0400, tor@xxxxxxx wrote: 
> > Also. It makes me wonder things when, for example, you say "Think
> > bigger" while pointing to a couple of potential dollars in someone's
> > pocket. Safeguarding the operators of the exit relays is a bigger deal
> > than chump change. I'm not making an honest accusation but, to the
> > people who are the most vocal in approving of this - you don't work
> > for the NSA, right? :)
> > 
> I am quite new to tor but I decided a few days ago that it is not just
> "something for people in far far away countries". I simply decided that
> I have to support this if I do not want to be in the risk that I am
> asked later: "What did you do when they took the control over the net?".
> 
> So I started a tor node on a dedicated root server. But now you scared
> me a little bit: Is there a need to be safeguarded as a tor node
> operator?
> - At least the hosting company might know me. At least it should be easy
> for the government to track me down even if I tried to hide because all
> they have to do is follow the money.
> - I even used my Name and Email address inside the contact information.
> Just check out the "idkneitzel" Node.
> - Reverse DNS even points back to my private domain.

I do all the same things, and only recently *started* using real contact information and my real name on these lists, as a principled stand.

> Was this something that I shouldn't have done? Is it something that I
> should change?

If you are an exit node operator, you have some things to consider.  If you are a relay node operator, likely far fewer things to consider.  Then again, I only operate relays and ran into my first website block (retailmenot.com) today due to the site blocking *all* Tor nodes, exit or otherwise.  :P

> Would be nice to hear your opinions on this topic.

You're probably fine, especially if not running an exit.  You didn't list your home country, though; I'm assuming United States.

If you are concerned, arrange transactions to purchase a server offshore with anonymous means and run an anonymous node there.

Best,
-Gordon M.
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