Could Comcast be monitoring its users' Internet activities? That's what one recent report implies, although Comcast vehemently denies any wrongdoing.

A DeepDotWeb report revealed that a Comcast representative discouraged the use of the Tor browser to a customer, citing the browsing cloak as an "illegal service." For those not familiar with Tor, the software essentially layers a users activities through a myriad of worldwide server mirrors to "defend against traffic analysis, a form of network surveillance that threatens personal freedom and privacy, confidential business activities and relationships, and state security."

Tor has come under fire since it can also be used to access the black market side of the Web, and rumors abound of people ordering firearms, drugs, or even a hit on a loved one.

The report showcases a conversation between a Comcast customer and a representative where the rep seems to step over policy lines by asking what kind of websites the customer accesses through Tor. Bear in mind that Tor is not illegal and the software is open source and free to download.

Comcast responded in stride, saying that the report is inaccurate and that the company does not partake in such monitoring.

A blog post from Jason Livingood, Comcast's vice president of Internet services, reads:

"Comcast is not asking customers to stop using Tor, or any other browser for that matter. We have no policy against Tor, or any other browser or software. Customers are free to use their Xfinity Internet service to visit any website, use any app, and so forth."

Livingood goes even further, outlining the "facts:"

1) Comcast doesn't monitor our customer's browser software, web surfing or online history.

2) The anecdotal chat room evidence described in these reports is not accurate. (Comcast offers no explanation as to what "is not accurate")

3) We respect customer privacy and security and only investigate and disclose certain information about a customer's account with a valid court order or other appropriate legal process, just like other ISPs. More information about these policies can be found in our Transparency Report here.

4) We do not terminate customers for violating the Copyright Alert System (aka "six strikes"), which is a non-punitive, educational and voluntary copyright program. Read more here.

As is typical with these matters, it's hard to tell who is right here. The customer might have overreacted, given that there is no corroborating source, and Comcast will naturally defend itself against Big Brother accusations. Until the details emerge, however, which will be tough given the anonymity of Tor and browsing habits, we'll have to take Livingood's word that Comcast users can use Tor, "as [he has himself]."