Operating System
Tails
A portable amnesic operating system for sensitive sessions that should leave minimal traces on the computer
Tails offers a privacy-conscious alternative in the operating system space, with a stronger focus on data protection than many mainstream tools.
Who is this for?
✓ Good for you if:
- • You need a temporary computer session routed through Tor
- • You need to work on a borrowed or shared computer while minimizing local traces
- • You are a journalist, researcher, activist, or traveler with a high-risk threat model
⚠ Think twice if:
- • You need a permanent everyday operating system with seamless updates, gaming, or specialized hardware support
- • Your threat model includes a compromised computer firmware or hardware; Tails cannot make hostile hardware trustworthy
- • You plan to log into identifying accounts and assume Tor alone will keep the session anonymous
Overview
Tails (The Amnesic Incognito Live System) is a privacy-focused operating system designed to be used from a USB stick or DVD without leaving traces on the computer. The operating system routes all internet connections through the Tor network, providing strong anonymity. Tails includes privacy-focused applications like Tor Browser, encrypted email client, and secure file deletion tools. The operating system is designed to be amnesic, meaning it forgets everything when shut down, leaving no traces on the computer. Tails is particularly useful for users who need to use a computer without leaving traces, such as journalists, activists, and anyone concerned about surveillance. The operating system is free, open source, and can be run on any computer from a USB stick. Tails is based on Debian and includes only privacy-respecting software. The system is updated regularly with security patches and new features.
Privacy highlight
Privacy-focused live OS that routes all traffic through Tor. Amnesic design leaves no traces. No , , strong anonymity.
Quick facts
- Country:
- 🇫🇷 France
- Pricing:
- Free
- Platform:
- Desktop, Laptop
- Technical:
- Advanced
- :
- No
- :
- No telemetry
- :
- Yes
- Open-source status:
- Fully open source
- :
- No
- :
- Yes
Key features
- Operating system focused on security and privacy.
Security & encryption Click to expand
- No
- Encryption protocols
- AES-256, Tor, ,
- Tails uses LUKS (Linux Unified Key Setup) for persistent storage when configured. The operating system supports encrypted persistent storage that users can set up on USB sticks. Tails does not require keys for basic operation as it runs from read-only media. When persistent storage is used, users set up with a passphrase. Tails uses standard Linux tools and does not store keys on the system. The operating system is designed to be amnesic, so keys are not retained after shutdown.
- Offline support
- Yes
Telemetry & tracking Click to expand
- No telemetry
- No
- Ip no
- Tails does not collect data. The operating system does not include or code. Tails does not track users, collect usage statistics, or monitor system activity. The operating system is designed for maximum privacy and anonymity with no . Tails routes all internet connections through Tor, providing additional privacy.
Jurisdiction & compliance Click to expand
- Tails is developed by the Tails project, which is based in France. The operating system does not collect or store user data, so there is minimal data residency concern. Tails operates from read-only media and does not leave traces on computers. The project operates under French privacy laws and GDPR requirements.
- Tails does not retain user data. The operating system is designed to be amnesic, meaning it forgets everything when shut down. Tails does not collect or store personal information, system identifiers, or usage data. The operating system operates from read-only media and does not leave traces on the computer. Users have complete control over their data.
- Legal frameworks
- Revenue sources
- Donations, Grants
Editorial signals Click to expand
- 96
- Trust score
- 93
- Trust breakdown (0–10)
- Encryption: 90, Audits: 85, Open source: 95, Telemetry: 100, Jurisdiction: 90, Transparency: 90, Trackers: 100
- Editorial notes
- Usability: 70, Performance: 75, Family friendly: 75
User experience Click to expand
- Signup requirements
- none
- Onboarding difficulty (1-5)
- 4
- Accessibility features
- Linux-based amnesic OS (Debian-based) with GNOME desktop. GNOME accessibility tools available including Orca screen reader, keyboard navigation, high contrast themes, and zoom magnification. Accessibility features must be configured each session as Tails leaves no persistent trace.
Backup & portability Click to expand
- Yes
- Migration tools
- Persistent storage setup
- USB reinstallation
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