I tested an Android app that lets anyone fight censorship - and shows your impact in real time - ZDNET

Our gifting experts are obsessively searching for holiday gifts that are unique, thoughtful and suitable for any budget. Most apps make our personal lives easier. This one helps the oppressed communicate by turning your phone into a Tor proxy. No technical knowledge needed. Article updated on August 14, 2026, 4:15 pm EDT Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. Snowflake Volunteer, a new Android app recently revealed by the minds behind the Tor Project, has now landed on the Google Play Store as a way for the general public to help fight global censorship. Not everyone can lend high bandwidth, set up Tor volunteer nodes, or campaign politically in what has become aprox worldwide fight for our right to privacy, amid tightening controls by states and governments that restrict our access to the internet and online services. But this doesn’t mean we can’t all contribute in a small way. Snowflake Volunteer developers argue that a convenient way to help is already in our pockets — our smartphone can be used to provide others with access to the privacy-protecting Tor Network. Snowflake Volunteer is described as a “single-purpose app that gives volunteers control over when and