Java Anonymous Proxy also known as JAP is a proxy system designed to allow browsing the web anonymously. Its slogan is Anonymity and Privacy – Anonymity is not a crime.

JAP is a Java application that enables anonymous web surfing with any browser through the use of integrated proxy services that hide your real IP address. JAP uses a single static address which is shared by many JAP users. That way neither the visited website, nor an eavesdropper can determine which user visited which website.

Instead of connecting directly to a webserver, users take a detour, connecting with encryption through several intermediaries, so-called Mixes. JAP uses a predetermined sequence for the mixes. Such a sequence of linked mixes is called a Mix Cascade.

When you start the JAP client program, JAP first connects to the InfoService to check if the JAP client is still compatible with the software of the mix. Next, JAP registers with the first mix station of the chosen mix cascade. JAP encrypts the data and sends it to the first mix station. The first mix station then mixes the data with that of other users and sends it to the second mix station which passes it on to the third mix station which decrypts and sends the data through a cache proxy to the internet. The anonymities is only in the red color box showed below.

JAP client and the AN.ON-service is free, you can download it from http://anon.inf.tu-dresden.de/download_en.html.

After installing JAP, you need to configure your browser to use the local proxy server (instructions provided) for web browsing. The provided control panel allows you to turn anonymity on or off, and also dispays the current level of security. JAP comes pre-configured with several free service providers and also supports pay services. The free services are run by universities and other public infrastructures and are free of charge for the user.