Comcast Denies Report That It Has Threatened To Disconnect People Who Use Tor Browser

Over the weekend, there was a report from DeepDotWeb talking about users who were contacted by Comcast agents that proceeded to tell them to stop using Tor Browser or risk losing their service. This has prompted Comcast to release a statement denying these claims.

DeepDotWeb reported that users were contacted about their use of Tor with one Comcast representative saying that it was an “illegal service” and then asking one customer what site the person visited. This customer then called Comcast and spoke to another representative that stated, “Users who try to use anonymity, or cover themselves up on the internet, are usually doing things that aren’t so-to-speak legal. We have the right to terminate, fine, or suspend your account at anytime due to you violating the rules. Do you have any other questions? Thank you for contacting Comcast, have a great day.”

Today, Comcast released a press release denying these claims that reads, “Comcast is not asking customers to stop using Tor, or any other browser for that matter. We have no policy against Tor, or any other browser or software. Customers are free to use their Xfinity Internet service to visit any website, use any app, and so forth." 

The cable provider went on to say that it does not monitor browser software, web surfing, or online history of its customers and that the chat room evidence presented is not accurate. However, it did not expand further on why the evidence is not accurate.

Comcast continued, “We respect customer privacy and security and only investigate and disclose certain information about a customer's account with a valid court order or other appropriate legal process, just like other ISPs.”