# [Stronger together: What we've accomplished since the Tails-Tor
merger](
https://tails.net/news/stronger_together/index.en.html)
Nine months ago Tails and Tor set out to [unite forces for Internet
Freedom](
https://tails.net/news/tails_tor/index.en.html). The goal was to
integrate Tails into the organizational structure of the Tor Project to pool
resources instead of duplicating them, and deliver a more robust shield
against censorship and surveillance. Today we're happy to report that we're
already seeing the transformative impact of our united efforts.
# Delivering on our promises
The integration of two organizations requires careful planning and
collaboration. When we first began our discussions, we made it a point to
focus on better serving the shared communities that depend on Tor and Tails.
The merger has already delivered on our core commitments in concrete ways:
## Countering censorship and surveillance more effectively
Our combined anti-censorship expertise is yielding immediate results. Whenever
a new or previously unknown censorship event occurs, we can figure out how
best to tackle the issues. China is one such example in action: When _obfs4_
bridges increasingly became the target of censors, our teams were able to
jointly coordinate a strategic response, determining whether to address the
issue through improved bridge distribution mechanisms or by adding support for
newer pluggable transports in Tails itself. This kind of coordinated response
to censorship events was more challenging and time-consuming when we operated
separately.
## More robust treatment of overlapping threat models
We've ensured that Tails' specific needs are now directly integrated into Arti
development, creating a more comprehensive solution for users who need both
network and system-level security in high-risk environments. Having both Tor
Browser and Tails developers collaborate more closely means that Tails users
benefit from smoother, earlier releases that provide user protections faster.
## Expanded training and outreach opportunities
Empowering our users through access and digital rights education has been a
top priority for both Tails and Tor. Earlier this year, we successfully ran a
Tails training in partnership with the Open Culture Foundation the day before
RightsCon 2025, reaching activists and journalists who urgently need these
tools. By tapping into Tor's Privacy Resilience Grants, we're now supporting
more groups in the Global South to run Tails trainings directly in their
communities, expanding Tails' reach to new territories and user groups.
# Operational resilience to advance our shared mission
The benefits extend far beyond individual projects. Our unified sysadmin team
has created a comprehensive [5-year roadmap for merging our digital
infrastructures](
https://gitlab.torproject.org/tpo/tpa/team/-/wikis/policy/tpa-
rfc-73-tails-infra-merge-roadmap#2026), eliminating redundancies while
strengthening both organizations' technological foundations. We've already
merged critical services including calendars, GitLab projects, password
stores, and documentation systems, with security policies, monitoring systems,
and authentication mechanisms currently in progress.
The merger has also clarified roles and responsibilities across teams while
providing Tails teams with access to the Tor Project's mature organizational
structure and improving system monitoring and management. Our expanded
fundraising capacity means we can pursue larger grants and coordinate funding
requests that support both tools simultaneously. It allows us to stay
resilient in a dynamic fundraising landscape, and maximize the impact of every
dollar.
This is a meaningful achievement for every supporter: Your donations now go
further toward creating real-world impact rather than duplicating
administrative overhead. Our resources are now fully directed toward
developing stronger privacy tools and reaching more people who need protection
from surveillance and censorship.
# Upcoming changes for PayPal donors
Tails, just like Tor, has always been powered by your donations. As part of
our organizational merge, we are taking the opportunity to upgrade the way we
manage donations, donor records, and communication with you about your
donations.
If you have made a donation to Tails through PayPal, your information will be
imported into Tor's [CiviCRM](
https://civicrm.org/) Customer Relationship
Management (CRM) database, which collects only the minimal amount of
information and hosts all donor data on Tor infrastructure. Rest assured that
Tor will never sell or share your data. Ever. You can read the Tor Project's
[privacy policy here](
https://donate.torproject.org/privacy-policy/).
The following information will be imported:
* Name
* Email
* Address, if given
* Past donation history
All of this data will be **merged by June 30, 2025**. Once the data is
completely merged, all PayPal monthly donations will be terminated. If you
have an active monthly donation to Tails through PayPal, please watch out for
a message from us about migrating your donation.
# What you can do today
Thank you for being defenders of online privacy, anonymity, and censorship
circumvention tools. We invite all our supporters to [join
us](
https://torproject.org/donate/donate-ts-sc2025) as part of the unified Tor
community, working together to safeguard the digital human rights of
individuals worldwide. Please consider renewing your donation today for the
Tor Project and help [make privacy
possible](
https://blog.torproject.org/sc25/).
[Donate](
https://torproject.org/donate/donate-ts-sc2025)
The Tor Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to transparency. The Tor
Project has a [Four-Star
Charity](
https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/208096820) rating from Charity
Navigator, and has been awarded [Candid's Platinum Seal of
Transparency](
https://www.guidestar.org/profile/shared/7d68a7b7-2a9f-4613-a985-1638da87abdf).
This demonstrates the Tor Project's commitment to openness and honesty in how
the organization manages its finances and uses your investment for a greater
impact. Your donation is in good hands and goes a long way.
URL: <
https://tails.net/news/stronger_together/index.en.html>
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