Privacy Pros: FOSS; ad and tracker free. Does not interface with local storage and wipes all files after each boot. Networks exclusively over the TOR network providing comprehensive anonymity.
Privacy Cons: Can be configured improperly or with persistent storage, thus leaving a trace of use.
Privacy Tips: Use a TOR bridge to hide the use of TOR from authoritarian eyes. Do NOT use a VPN with TOR. Refrain from establishing persistent storage, and switch the TOR browser to its “most secure” setting. When downloading Tails, make sure to verify the download with a hash key.
Tails, or “The Amnesic Incognito Live System”, is a security-focused Debian-based Linux distribution aimed at preserving privacy and anonymity against surveillance. It connects to the Internet exclusively through the anonymity network Tor. The system is designed to be booted as a live DVD or live USB and never writes to the hard drive or SSD, leaving no digital footprint on the machine unless explicitly told to do so. It can also be run as a virtual machine, with some additional security risks.
The Tor Project provided financial support for Tails’ development in the beginnings of the project, and continues to do so alongside numerous corporate and anonymous sponsors.