Tor project confirms misconduct Jacob Appelbaum after investigation

The Tor project has completed the investigation into misconduct by Jacob Appelbaum. In a statement, the organization said that former lead developer Appelbaum had indeed “intimidated, humiliated and harassed” colleagues and individuals outside the project.

The investigation was conducted in response to various reports of Appelbaum’s behavior, writes Tor director Shari Steele. Appelbaum’s ‘aggressive sexual behavior’ was also found. Reports of this kind of behavior were the reason for his departure at the end of May. The investigation also found that two other individuals within the organization exhibited inappropriate behavior and are therefore no longer part of the project.

Following on from the findings, the project is announcing measures, including policies against harassment and conflicts of interest. Procedures have also been created for reporting complaints and handling them. In addition, the Tor community has created a body that will deal with internal conflicts and a code of conduct has been drawn up. Appelbaum said in June that the allegations of sexual harassment are “completely false.”

After Appelbaum left, a new board joined the Tor project. This month also saw the departure of Lucky Green, who played an important role in the project. He was the administrator of the Tonga node.