Tails

Overview

Tails Linux, the full name of The Amnesic Incognito Live System, is an open source, free Linux distribution based on Debian GNU/Linux, focusing on privacy, anonymity, and security, and is designed to protect users from surveillance and censorship through the Tor network. It is designed as a live system (Live System) that boots from a USB drive or DVD, runs in the computer's memory (RAM), and leaves no digital traces after it is shut down unless the user explicitly enables persistent storage (Persistent Storage). Tails is supported by the Tor Project and is suitable for journalists, activists, privacy enthusiasts, and users who need to protect their identities in high-risk environments (such as Edward Snowden's recommendation). The latest version is Tails 6.17 (May 2025), based on Debian 12 Bookworm and GNOME 43.

History and Development

• Origin:
  • June 23, 2009: Tails was first released, formerly known as the Amnesia project based on Gentoo, which aims to provide an anonymous live system.
  • Funded by the Tor Project, and subsequently sponsored by the U.S. Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, the Mozilla Foundation, DuckDuckGo, etc.
• Development History:
  • 2014: Tails 1.0 was released, based on Debian 8, to increase visibility (due to the NSA scandal and Edward Snowden's recommendation).
  • 2016: Tails 2.0 was released, based on Debian 9 Stretch, only supporting 64-bit architecture.
  • 2017: The FBI used a zero-day vulnerability in Tails' default video player (GNOME Videos) to track users, and the vulnerability was later fixed.
  • May 3, 2022: Tails 5.0 was released, based on Debian 11 Bullseye, adding Kleopatra (certificate manager) and an improved installation process.
  • February 27, 2024: Tails 6.0 will be released, based on Debian 12 Bookworm and GNOME 43, with enhanced USB device protection and screenshot functions.
  • May 2025: Tails 6.17 will be released, updating the Linux kernel to 6.1.140, fixing GRUB Secure Boot and Wi-Fi firmware issues.
  • X post said "Tails 6.0's Debian 12 and GNOME 43 bring major security improvements."
• Community and support:
  • Maintained by the Tails team and the Tor Project, hosted on tails.net, GitLab and Reddit (r/tails).
  • User feedback said "Tails has a steep learning curve for novices, but the privacy protection is unparalleled."
• Open source license:
  • The core code is GPL v3, and some firmware is non-free software (non-free firmware blobs).

Main features

Tails is based on anonymity, amnesic design and security tools, suitable for high-risk privacy scenarios. Here are its main features:

1. Tor network integration
   • All network traffic is transmitted through the Tor network (onion routing) by default, hiding IP address and location.
   • Contains a modified version of Tor Browser (with uBlock Origin, HTTPS Everywhere, NoScript).
2. Amnesic design
   • Runs in RAM, erases all data after shutdown, no digital traces.
3. Pre-installed privacy tools
   • LibreOffice: Process documents (similar to Word, Excel).
   • Metadata Cleaner: Remove file metadata (such as GPS, author).
   • GnuPG and Kleopatra: Encrypt and sign emails/files.
   • OnionShare: Anonymous file sharing.
   • Electrum Bitcoin Wallet: Cryptocurrency trading.
   • Aircrack-ng: Wi-Fi security analysis.
4. GNOME desktop environment
   • Use GNOME 43 (Tails 6.0+), provide a simple interface, support Wayland.
5. Security features
   • MAC address spoofing: prevent hardware tracking.
   • Secure Boot support: fix GRUB compatibility.
   • USB device protection: prevent malicious device attacks.

Advantages and limitations

Advantages

• Anonymity and privacy:
  • Tor network hides IP and location, better than ordinary VPN.
  • X post said "Tails' Tor network and MAC spoofing make tracking almost impossible."
• Amnesic design:
  • No trace after closing, suitable for public devices.
• Pre-installed security tools:
  • Contains LibreOffice, Metadata Cleaner, OnionShare, etc.
• Lightweight hardware requirements:
  • Only 2GB RAM and 8GB USB are required, supporting most computers within 10 years.
• Open source and community support:
  • Maintained by the Tor Project and Debian community, with regular updates.

Limitations

• Not completely anonymous:
  • Compromised hardware (such as keyloggers), Tor exit node attacks, or user errors may reveal identity.
• Limited functionality:
  • Focused on privacy, not an everyday operating system, lacks Deepin's beautiful interface or AlmaLinux's enterprise features.
• Hardware compatibility:
  • Does not support Apple M series chips, some Nvidia/AMD graphics cards.
  • Solution: Use Linux-compatible hardware such as ThinkPenguin.
• Slow performance:
  • Tor network latency is high.
  • Solution: Run non-sensitive tasks locally and use Transmission for offline downloads.
• Learning curve:
  • Not friendly to newbies, need to be familiar with Tor and Terminal.
  • Solution: Refer to Tails documentation (tails.net/doc).

Summary

Tails Linux is an open source, free Linux distribution based on Debian, with anonymity (Tor network), amnesic design (RAM running, no trace) and security tools (Metadata Cleaner, GnuPG, OnionShare) as the core, suitable for journalists, activists and privacy-sensitive users. It runs from USB or DVD, supports LUKS encrypted persistent storage, and is suitable for public or untrusted devices. Tails is suitable for high-risk privacy scenarios.