According to Neowin, Tails 7.2 has been released with several notable privacy and security upgrades. The update brings the Linux kernel to version 6.12 LTS and updates Tor Browser to 15.0.1 based on Firefox 140.5.0 ESR. It removes the Root Console launcher from the application menu and adds a non-AI version of DuckDuckGo. The release specifically addresses unwanted background connections that Thunderbird was making to Mozilla telemetry services without user consent. Other changes include updating Thunderbird to version 140.4 and fixing upgrade notification visibility issues.
Privacy first philosophy
Here’s the thing about Tails – it’s not your average Linux distro. The whole “amnesic” concept means it runs entirely from RAM and leaves zero traces when you shut down. That’s incredibly powerful for journalists, activists, or honestly anyone who values their digital privacy. But what really stands out in this update is how they’re actively fighting against the modern trend of software calling home without permission.
Those Thunderbird connections to live.thunderbird.net and location.services.mozilla.com? They were happening automatically in version 7.1. Basically, your email client was phoning home before you even had a chance to configure anything. The Tails team didn’t just patch this – they disabled the remote services entirely. That’s the kind of zero-compromise approach that makes Tails special.
upgrades-matter”>Browser upgrades matter
The Tor Browser update to version 15.0.1 brings some interesting usability improvements. Vertical tabs and tab groups might seem like cosmetic changes, but they actually make the privacy-focused browsing experience more manageable. And that unified search button? It’s a small thing that makes switching between search engines way less frustrating.
But let’s talk about that non-AI DuckDuckGo addition. In an era where every search engine is rushing to integrate AI, Tails is offering an alternative that doesn’t send your queries to language models. That’s a pretty clear statement about where they stand on the whole AI privacy debate.
Security tradeoffs
Removing the Root Console launcher is interesting. Sure, it’s more secure – forcing users to type sudo -i means they’re making a conscious decision to access root privileges. But it also makes the system slightly less user-friendly. That’s the eternal tension in security-focused software, right? How do you balance absolute security against practical usability?
The clock synchronization fix is another subtle but important change. Waiting for proper time sync before showing notifications might seem minor, but timing is crucial for many security protocols. These are the kinds of details that separate serious privacy tools from consumer-grade alternatives.
Where Tails is headed
Looking at the full changelog, you can see a clear pattern emerging. Tails is becoming increasingly aggressive about cutting off any potential data leaks, even from trusted applications like Thunderbird. I wouldn’t be surprised if future versions take this even further – maybe disabling more background services or adding stricter network controls.
The real question is whether this approach can scale. As more applications embed telemetry and cloud dependencies, maintaining a truly private operating system becomes increasingly difficult. But for now, Tails 7.2 shows they’re still committed to their core mission – giving users complete control over their digital footprint, one unwanted connection at a time.
