The anonymity of the dark web is also a big benefit for whistleblowers submitting sensitive information to news outlets. For example, during the Russian-Ukraine conflict, citizens used dark web versions of social media to share information when traditional access was blocked. Since .onion sites often go offline suddenly, Dark Web directories always have some dead URLs and links to illegal or dangerous content — but this is a common danger on all Dark Web sites. To stay safe while looking for .onion sites, always use a VPN with powerful security features like military-grade encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection (at a minimum). Most people have some level of trepidation when accessing the dark web. Every year, more people and organizations fall victim to cybersecurity attacks.
The dark web is only a small portion of the deep web, but it poses outsized reasons for concern and caution. When browsed safely with TORNADO or another crawler, troves of valuable information can be uncovered to prevent future harm. Having the tools to expose dark web dangers and defend against them is a crucial asset for any company or government agency. When the COVID-19 outbreak began in Wuhan, China, information about the outreach was initially censored, and doctors were restricted from speaking out about the threat. Concerned about the potential spread of the virus, Chinese netizens posted updates to the dark web, knowing it would be much harder for their government to trace the leaked information. The dark web was created by the US government for the purpose of communicating with their spies without the risk of being tracked in the process.
Attention Dark Web Users!
Is The Dark Web Illegal?
Contrary to popular belief, the dark web is not just a large marketplace for drugs and guns. It’s simply a collection of websites that use the “.onion” domain. Just like the surface web, these websites can contain virtually anything you can think of, like news, blogs, (crypto) marketplaces, forums, and even email services.
The dark web is a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and is inaccessible through standard web browsers. It is often associated with illegal activities, but it also has legitimate uses. In this article, we will explore what the dark web is, how to access it, and what kind of sites you can find on it.
What is the Dark Web?
Should I Use A VPN To Access Tor?
The dark web is a collection of websites that are not indexed by search engines and cannot be accessed through standard web browsers like Google Chrome or Firefox. These websites are hosted on darknets, which are networks that use the internet but require specific software, configurations, or authorization to access. The dark web is often associated with illegal activities, such as the sale of drugs, weapons, and stolen data, but it also has legitimate uses, such as providing a platform for activists and journalists to communicate anonymously.
How to Access the Dark Web
To access the dark web, you will need to use a darknet, such as Tor, I2P, or Freenet. Tor is the most popular darknet and can be accessed through the Tor Browser, which is a modified version of Firefox. Once you have installed the Tor Browser, you can access dark web sites by typing in their .onion URLs. It is important to note that accessing the dark web can be dangerous, and you should take precautions to protect your privacy and security.
Sites on the Dark Web
Download Tor Browser
There are a wide variety of sites on the dark web, ranging from illegal marketplaces to forums for discussing politics and technology. Here are some examples of the types of sites you can find on the dark web:
- Illegal marketplaces: These sites are used for buying and selling illegal goods and services, such as drugs, weapons, and stolen data.
- Forums: These sites are used for discussing a wide range of topics, from politics and technology to hacking and cybersecurity.
- Whistleblowing platforms: These sites are used for leaking sensitive information, such as government documents and corporate secrets.
- Anonymous email services: These sites are used for sending and receiving emails anonymously.
- Cryptocurrency exchanges: These sites are used for buying and selling cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin and Monero.
FAQs
Is it illegal to access the dark web? No, it is not illegal to access the dark web. However, darknet drug trafficking some activities on the dark web, such as buying and selling illegal goods and services, are illegal.
How do I get Tor Browser?
Where to download Tor Browser. Tor Browser is available for Linux, Mac and Windows, and has also been ported to mobile. You can download desktop versions from the Tor Project website. If you're on Android, find OrBot or OrFox on the Google Play Store or F-Droid.
Can I be tracked on the dark web? It is more difficult to track users on the dark web than on the regular internet, but it is not impossible. You should take precautions to protect your privacy and security when accessing the dark web.
Do I need to use a VPN when accessing the dark web? It is recommended to use a VPN when accessing the dark web to add an extra layer of security and privacy.
Can I use my regular email address on the dark web? It is not recommended to use your regular email whats dark web address on the dark web, as it can be used to track your activities. Instead, use an anonymous email service.
Who invented the dark web?
The dark web is known to have begun in 2000 with the release of Freenet, the thesis project of University of Edinburgh student Ian Clarke, who set out to create a "Distributed Decentralised Information Storage and Retrieval System." Clarke aimed to create a new way to anonymously communicate and share files online.
Can I use my credit card on the dark web? It is not recommended to use your credit card on the dark web, as it can be used to steal your identity and money. Instead, use cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin and Monero.
- The Hidden Wiki used to be known for hosting, or at least indexing, a bunch of pedophile websites and has therefore been the subject of cyber attacks by the FBI and Anonymous.
- Illegal cyber activity cannot necessarily be stumbled upon easily but tends to be much more extreme and threatening if you do seek it out.
- While proxies like Tor2Web let you visit onion sites without running Tor, it’s not at all private.
- Note that Tails’ installation package is the .img format, which means that you’ll need software capable of burning images on your thumb drive.
In conclusion, the dark web is a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and is inaccessible through standard web browsers. It is often associated with illegal activities, but it also has legitimate uses. In this article, we have explored what the dark web is, how to access it, and what kind of sites you can find on it. Remember to take precautions to protect your privacy and security when accessing the dark web.
What to avoid on Tor?
- Avoid sharing your personal data. Once you enter your Facebook, Google, or any other account, you are not anonymous anymore.
- Turn on the safest mode.
- Visit only HTTPS websites.
- Don't click on suspicious links.
- Update your antivirus software.
- Use a virtual private network (VPN).