Anonymization programmes generally live up to promises

Hamburg  - Computer programmes designed to let users surf online anonymously generally live up to expectations, according to tests run by German computer magazine Computer Bild.

The test of eight programmes found that seven set up an "effective disguise when calling up regular websites." The other got a failing grade, partially because of its relatively high price tag of 60 euros (90 dollars) for a one-year trial and partially because it flunked some tests, albeit only in 8 of 100 trials.

But three options, ranging in price from around 70 to 80 euros, earned ratings of good, despite their higher price. CyberGhost VPN 6 from Anbiter S. A. D. got the best mark. Testers loved the fact that it does not slow down the computer's internet connection, unlike ArchiCrypt Stealth by Patric Remus and Internet Anonym VPN from Steganos.

Free options like UltraSurf 9.6 from Ultra Reach and Tor Vidalia from The Tor Project got satisfactory marks. Another free online service, Anonymouse, got a grade of adequate, partially because users can only access the website in unencrypted mode.

Anonymization software is designed to stop third parties from being able to see which websites a web surfer has visited. They typically function by routing requests for website data through an encrypted VPN connection and then to the provider. It only registers that data has been transferred, but not its contents. Police can access it in an emergency, but only with a lot of work. (dpa)