PEER-TO-PEER AUDIO STREAMING USING THE TOR NETWORK: PROBLEMS, OPPORTUNITIES AND DEVELOPMENT PROSPECTS

Abstract

This article analyses the potential and challenges associated with the implementation of audio streaming in the anonymous Tor network and the use of peer-to-peer (P2P) technologies. The main focus is on discussing the technical and conceptual issues that arise when integrating audio streaming services with the Tor network, including delays, limited bandwidth and other limitations that affect audio quality. The aim of the study is to find practical solutions to the problem of anonymous audio streaming using Tor technologies or other means to preserve anonymity. By analysing different approaches and tools, it becomes apparent that peer-to-peer broadcasting offers a flexible solution that allows audio to be transmitted over P2P networks, reducing the load on individual nodes and optimising bandwidth usage. This solution offers opportunities for scalability, fault tolerance, bandwidth optimisation and latency reduction, making it an attractive option for audio streaming setups. Meanwhile, the Utopia ecosystem, with its decentralised structure and high level of privacy protection, is another potential solution. Not only does it allow bypassing censorship and firewalls, but it also ensures anonymity in communication and data exchange. With its built-in audio and video communication tools, as well as the ability to create private channels and share files, Utopia can become a reliable platform for streaming audio. Thus, based on the analysis, the solution to the problem of anonymous audio streaming may lie in the integration of technologies such as Peercasting and Utopia, which provide not only the technical capability for streaming, but also a high level of privacy protection for users. It is also important to consider the flexibility of these solutions and the ability to adapt to the specifics of anonymous networks and user requirements. The practical significance of the study of audio streaming over Tor using P2P technologies is to develop methods to increase the anonymity and security of audio communications, which is critical in the face of growing threats to privacy on the Internet. This allows to overcome censorship and Internet restrictions in repressive regimes, providing users with freedom of thought and access to information.