[tor-relays] new relays

[a432511 <a432511@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Hello all,

I just spun up 2 relays (1 exit, 1 non-exit) in Amsterdam using 
DigitalOcean as the VPS provider. It's been up for about 8 hours now. 
Here was the message I sent to them regarding the servers:

/* Quote

Hello,

I just spun up a couple servers in Amsterdam to act as relays in the 
Tor network (see https://www.torproject.org/about/overview.html.en). I 
just wanted to file this ticket so that you were aware of those servers' 
purpose. One is simply a non-exit relay meaning that all traffic is 
encrypted and ultimately routed to another tor server before it connects 
to the destination IP (no risk there). The other is an exit relay that 
establishes the final connection for the client. This box has a bit more 
risk because it's IP will be used for the connection. Now, according to 
law, the exit relay cannot be held responsible for the traffic because 
it is merely a pass-through server with no knowledge of the traffic - 
much like any ISP - but there hasn't been a firm legal precedent set yet 
to my knowledge.

The purpose of the Tor server is to facilitate internet traffic for 
those that might be subject to laws that censor legitimate content 
(China, North Korea, Iran, etc...). It also acts as a safety net for the 
press so that they cannot be easily tracked when working on dangerous 
assignments.

I read a couple other forum posts regarding your TOC and saw that you 
pass the liability on to the customer because you don't have control 
over what each droplet is used for. This is in essence the exact same 
case with a Tor relay.

I have configured my exit relay to block a large number of ports that 
are typically used for torrents to reduce the possibility of any 
complaints.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks,

Adam

End Quote */

And here is there response:

/* Quote

Hello,

While TOR exit-nodes are allowed under our TOS we strong discourage 
them because of the abuse complaints they generate. As you mentioned, 
you are responsible for any traffic generated by your droplets. While in 
the future there may be a precedent that grants safe-harbor status to 
TOR exit nodes, there is no such precedent under US Law at this time and 
the responsibility remains with you. You will be responsible to resolve 
any abuse complaints lodged against you related to this droplet. If we 
can be of any further assistance please let us know.

Thanks
Ryan

Posted on 08/22/13 at 13:49
Gravatar Ryan Quinn

End Quote */



I am based out of the US. Is there anything I should be careful with 
hosting an offshore Tor exit node? I already used the limited tor port 
list that was in the wiki.

The other thing that I am weighing is just a moral question regarding 
misuse of the Tor network for despicable things like child porn. I 
understand that of all the traffic it is a small percentage and that 
ISPs essentially face the same dilemma, but I wonder if more can be done 
to make Tor resistant to evil usage.

Thanks.
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