Chapter 1: Introduction to Twitter and Tor Browser

In this chapter, we delve into the intricate relationship between Twitter and the Tor Browser, particularly when it comes to account signups.

When attempting to register a new Twitter account using Tor Browser, users often face an infuriating obstacle: an overly complex 7-part captcha test that consistently declares the final answer incorrect, no matter how accurately it has been solved. This frustrating experience has left many feeling deceived, including myself. My own journey began when I sought to establish a new Twitter account for a Medium project.

In my previous discussion on the Tor Browser, I mentioned how “Google has a disdain for Tor.” I intended to clarify the stance of Twitter and Facebook, which I mistakenly believed would be more supportive. They even have .onion addresses for their dark web sites, leading to the assumption that these platforms would embrace the privacy features that Tor offers. However, the reality is more complicated.

The existence of .onion mirrors seems to stem from a business strategy rather than genuine support for privacy. These dark web sites allow users in restricted countries to access Twitter and Facebook without the risk of ISP tracking. Unfortunately, while ISPs cannot easily block these sites, Twitter and Facebook have other means of identifying users.

Even when using Tor to access their dark mirrors, the two companies are able to track user identities through their IP addresses. To create a new account, one must reveal their true IP address by signing up through a conventional browser instead of using Tor. Initially, I assumed their .onion sites did not support account creation. My attempts at the painstaking captcha test led me to believe it was unsolvable by design.

Section 1.1: The Frustration of Captchas

In my quest to create an account, I also tried the standard Twitter website via Tor Browser, aiming for anonymity. Yet again, I encountered the same frustrating “Authenticate your account” prompt:

It became evident that both Twitter and Facebook impose restrictions on signup through the Tor Browser to ensure that accounts are not entirely anonymous. If they permitted this, they would lose the ability to track users.

The challenge lies in the fact that when using Tor, your apparent location can fluctuate, making it difficult for these platforms to pinpoint your identity. However, once you log in using a standard browser, they can tie your activity back to your original IP address.

Section 1.2: Business Strategies and User Tracking

The core of my frustration isn’t just that Twitter and Facebook can deny service to specific browsers; it’s the deceptive tactics they employ to obscure this reality. Their complex and seemingly insurmountable tests are designed to dissuade users from signing up through Tor, nudging them toward conventional browsers where their identities can be tracked.

Google employs similar tactics. Despite their purported support for privacy, their search engine actively blocks Tor users under the guise of “security” warnings:

When using Google via Tor, users are met with messages implying they are bots, masking the reality that the company simply cannot track them. Google relies heavily on user data for its revenue model, meaning that when users access its services through Tor, they become invisible, which is unacceptable to the company.

Chapter 2: Exploring Alternatives to Twitter

As I navigate these challenges, I refuse to conform to Twitter's limitations. My new account will not be registered from a Greek IP address; there are more subtle methods to obscure one’s IP.

I plan to keep my Medium account separate from my identity, utilizing Tor for all interactions. My initial experiences with Medium indicate that it supports the use of Tor without issue.

After publishing this article, I intend to transition my email from Gmail to ProtonMail, gradually shifting my social media presence as well. While I may consider upgrading to premium services for added privacy, I prefer that to being part of Google's data collection.

Moreover, I have decided to stop using Google's search engine altogether, opting for DuckDuckGo instead. I have adjusted my Firefox settings to prioritize DuckDuckGo, ensuring my online activities remain private.

In conclusion, while I may temporarily remain a quasi-user of Twitter, I refuse to surrender my privacy without a fight. As the digital landscape evolves, I remain hopeful for alternatives that respect user anonymity.

Explore solutions to the Twitter signup issues when using Tor Browser in this informative video.

Learn how to resolve the common problem of signing up for Twitter through the X Twitter app in this helpful guide.