Short answer: To disable JavaScript in Tor Browser, open the menu, go to Settings > Privacy and Security and scroll down to Security level. Choose Safer to disable JavaScript on HTTP sites, or Safest to disable it on all websites, HTTP and HTTPS, which also blocks images, videos and some fonts. The Standard level keeps JavaScript enabled.
To disable JavaScript in Tor Browser, you'll have to go to Settings -> Privacy and Security -> scroll down to Security level and select the option you want; each level is stricter than the previous one.
What is Tor?
Tor stands for "The Onion Router" and is a free and open-source software for anonymous communications. Tor browser became extremely famous because it hides the users from network surveillance or traffic analysis, making you "invisible" while browsing.
How does Tor hide the user?
The Onion Router directs the user internet traffic through a free, complex and global volunteer overlay network that has more than 7000 relays. Making use of this extensive network, it conceals all the user sensitive data as location, internet usage and many more.
Disabling Javascript in Tor
Since Tor makes it easier to actually keep our personal information safe, it should allow us to disable Javascript and prevent scripts from executing and "stealing" our data. How to disable Javascript in tor?
First things first, we need to download the Tor browser app:
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Direct yourself to: https://www.torproject.org/download/
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Select your Operating System (OS).
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Once downloaded, run the installer.
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Next, next, next...
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Start Tor browser.
Tor will boot up and ask to connect to The Onion Router, accept it, wait for it to finish and then, try it out or keep reading and lets dig in how to disable Javascript in Tor.
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Access the tor browser
menu
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Select
Settings
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Select
Privacy and Security
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Select the security level:
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Standard: Selecting this option, will allow all websites to behave as intended, will not block javascript, location trackers, etc..
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Safer: It´ll disable Javascript on http requests and block some of the websites features that are often dangerous like fonts and math symbols.
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Safest: Disable javascript from all websites (http and https), disables images, videos, math symbols and some fonts.
Can Tor be used in other browsers?
Yes, Tor has been integrated in other browsers like Brave that follow the same principles as Tor Browser, to protect user privacy while on the world wide web.
To start Tor in Brave Browser, on the menu select Start a new private window with Tor and a new window will be displayed and connect to The Onion Router.
We have covered what is Tor, how it works, how to disable javascript on The Onion Router Browser and that you can use Tor on other browsers as well.
If you are a person who values privacy, then using the Tor browser, or an alternative browser that integrates The Onion Router principles, is a nice option to have.
Hope you enjoy the article and keep on the Geek side!
Understanding how JavaScript behaves in privacy-focused browsers like Tor is a good starting point for thinking about web security. If you want to build web applications yourself, a coding bootcamp offers structured projects and mentors along the way.
Frequently asked questions
Does the middle security level block JavaScript on every website?
No. The middle level, named Safer in Tor Browser, disables JavaScript only on sites that are not served over HTTPS, while secure sites can still run scripts. To block JavaScript on every website, choose Safest. The level applies to the whole browser and can be changed at any time from Settings and Privacy and Security.
Can I allow JavaScript for only one website in Tor Browser?
Yes, through the NoScript extension built into Tor Browser, which can mark a single site as trusted while the security level keeps blocking scripts elsewhere. Use per-site exceptions sparingly: the more your settings differ from the defaults, the easier your browser becomes to tell apart from other Tor users, which weakens the anonymity Tor is designed to provide.
Can I disable JavaScript in Tor through about:config?
Yes. Typing about:config in the address bar and setting javascript.enabled to false turns JavaScript off completely, because Tor Browser is based on Firefox. However, the Tor Project recommends using the security levels instead, since custom preference changes make your browser fingerprint more unique and are easier to forget when you later want scripts working again.
Why do some websites stop working when JavaScript is disabled in Tor?
Many modern websites rely on JavaScript to load content, menus, forms, logins, maps and video players, so with scripts blocked they may appear blank or partly broken. Static pages usually still work. If you trust a site and need it to function, temporarily switch to the Standard level, finish the task, and then return to your stricter setting.