Inspired by the Library Freedom Project’s uncompromising bravery in the face of a DHS threat against a town library in Kilton, NH, that was running a Tor exit node to facilitate private, anonymous communication, the New Hampshire legislature is now considering a bill that would explicitly permit public libraries to “allow the installation and use of cryptographic privacy platforms on public library computers for library patrons use.”
NH HB 1508 was written by State Rep. Keith Ammon (R) and has six bipartisan co-sponsors.
Public libraries may allow the installation and use of cryptographic privacy platforms on public library computers for library patrons use. Cryptographic privacy software shall include Tor or other privacy software that encrypts user’s information to protect it from surveillance or collection. Public libraries may also support infrastructure for cryptographic software that helps to promote a free and open Internet, such as running Tor relays. Public libraries shall not give records relative to use of cryptographic privacy software to a government agency without first providing written notice to the person in question.
New Hampshire bill allows public libraries to run Tor in the face of federal challenges
[Patrick Howell O’Neill/Daily Dot]
(Image: Tor Project)