Operating System
Tails
Tails is a operating system focused on security and privacy. It helps you keep more control over your data.
Overview
Tails is a special operating system designed to help you use a computer without leaving any traces. You run Tails from a USB stick, and when you're done, you just remove the USB stick and the computer forgets everything. Tails automatically routes all your internet connections through the Tor network, which helps hide who you are and where you're going online. The operating system includes privacy-focused apps like a web browser, email client, and file encryption tools. Tails is free, open source, and particularly useful for journalists, activists, or anyone who needs to use a computer without leaving traces. You can use Tails on any computer by just plugging in a USB stick, and when you're done, nothing is left behind.
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
- GDPR, CCPA (where applicable).
- 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
- Operating system with accessibility features including keyboard navigation and screen reader support
Backup & portability Click to expand
- Yes
- Migration tools
- Persistent storage setup
- USB reinstallation
Similar privacy apps
Same categoryGrapheneOS
Score 92GrapheneOS is a operating system focused on security and privacy. It helps you keep more control over your data.
/e/OS (Murena)
Score 82/e/OS (Murena) is a operating system focused on security and privacy. It helps you keep more control over your data.
Qubes OS
Score 94Qubes OS is a operating system focused on security and privacy. It helps you keep more control over your data.
Related Guides
Best Apps and Tools for Ultimate Data Protection
Discover the top privacy apps in 2025...
Read guide →Browser Fingerprinting: What It Is & How to Stop It
Learn about browser fingerprinting and how websites track you. Discover methods to prevent finger...
Read guide →Do You Need a VPN in 2025? Threat Models Explained
Learn when you actually need a VPN. Understand threat models, VPN limitations, and when VPNs help...
Read guide →