Tails (operating system)
Tails 6.1 Desktop, with Tor Browser open. | |
| Developer | The Tails Project |
|---|---|
| OS family | Linux (Unix-like) |
| Working state | Active |
| Source model | Open source |
| Initial release | June 23, 2009 |
| Latest release | 6.16 / 29 May 2025 |
| Repository | gitlab |
| Marketing target | Personal computers |
| Available in | 33 languages |
| Update method | Tails Upgrader |
| Package manager | APT (front-end), dpkg |
| Platforms | x86-64 |
| Kernel type | Monolithic |
| Userland | GNU |
| Default user interface | GNOME 43 |
| License | GNU GPLv3 |
| Preceded by | Incognito |
| Official website | tails |
Tails, or "The Amnesic Incognito Live System", is a security-focused Debian-based Linux distribution aimed at preserving privacy and anonymity against surveillance. It connects to the Internet exclusively through the anonymity network Tor. The system is designed to be booted as a live DVD or live USB and never writes to the hard drive or SSD, leaving no digital footprint on the machine unless explicitly told to do so. It can also be run as a virtual machine, with some additional security risks.
The Tor Project provided financial support for Tails' development in the beginnings of the project, and continues to do so alongside numerous corporate and anonymous sponsors.