Enhancing Internet Privacy with Encrypted Client Hello (ECH)

Cloudflare has implemented Encrypted Client Hello (ECH), a privacy feature that makes it impossible for internet providers to track which websites subscribers visit. This renders pirate site-blocking efforts useless if both the site and the visitor have ECH enabled. ECH is a privacy standard supported by major browsers, and Cloudflare has enabled it by default for all free plans. The feature encrypts data, making it inaccessible to ISPs and organizations attempting to censor or persecute websites. While this progress enhances privacy, it may not be welcomed by rightsholders who have criticized Cloudflare for hiding the hosting locations of pirate sites.