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Library suspends plans for anonymous Internet service

Police raise concerns about potential criminal use of software

A debate sparks over a program that allows users to anonymously use the internet at Kilton library.
A debate sparks over a program that allows users to anonymously use the internet at Kilton library.
Library suspends plans for anonymous Internet service
Police raise concerns about potential criminal use of software

A Lebanon library that offered anonymous web surfing has put the service on hold over concerns about potential criminal activity.

Click to watch News 9's coverage.

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In July, the Kilton Library became the pilot site for software that allows users to move about the Internet anonymously. The software was provided through the Library Freedom Project.

Library officials said they thought offering the service would be helpful to those who frequent the library, but police said there was a possibility that someone could use it for criminal purposes.

The software hadn't been downloaded to the library's computers yet, but a server allowed it to be a middle relay site, essentially bouncing Internet traffic through the library and allowing those surfing to hide their identities.

Lebanon police said similar software could be used to facilitate child pornography or drug trafficking, and the anonymity it offers makes users difficult to track down.

Police said they found out about the service when a Lebanon sergeant was contacted by a member of the Internet Crimes Against Children task force and directed to an article about the library's involvement in the initiative.

Police said they never told the library to stop using the software, but they wanted to create awareness of it, so they talked with city and library officials.

The library director agreed that no one made him turn the server off, but he thought it was better to get a feel for what the community thought and let the library board of trustees decide whether it should remain.

The board is scheduled to meet Tuesday. The director said an online petition has more than 1,700 people in favor of the library keeping the software.
http://www.wmur.com/article/library-suspends-plans-for-anonymous-internet-service/5203848
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