DHAKA: Facebook has created the ability for users to connect directly to the social network via anonymising ‘dark web’ service Tor.

While it was already possible to access Facebook via Tor, the new set-up means all data is encrypted and Tor users are not mistaken for hacked accounts.

Users could access the site ‘without losing the cryptographic protections’ of Tor, Facebook said, reports the BBC.

It may appeal to people in places where the network is blocked.

China, Iran, North Korea and Cuba are among countries that have attempted to prevent access to the site.

Facebook is the first Silicon Valley giant to provide official support for Tor, a network built to allow people to visit web pages without being tracked and to publish sites whose contents would not show up in search engines.

Facebook’s move would prove popular among those who wanted to stop their location and browsing habits from being tracked, said Dr Steven Murdoch, from University College London, who was consulted by Facebook for the project.

He explained users would still need to log-in, using real-name credentials, to access the site.

BDST: 2010 HRS, NOV 03, 2014