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. To access the dark web, you need to use a special browser, such as Tor, and visit dark web websites.
What are Dark Web Websites?
You could consider the clear or surface web the “top” and visible layer of the internet, easily accessible using a browser such as Safari, Chrome, Edge, or Firefox. No longer restricted to dial-up, many of us now consider access to a stable high-speed internet connection a critical element of our daily lives. We pay our bills online, check our bank statements, communicate via email, find information, and maintain a presence on social media.
Dark web websites are websites that are not indexed by search engines and can only be accessed through the Tor network. These websites often have a .onion extension and are hosted on hidden servers. Dark web websites can be used for a variety of purposes, both legal and illegal. Some common uses include:
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- Whistleblowing and journalism
- Political activism
- Secure communication
- Illegal goods and services
ZDNET tested the best VPNs available based on speed, number of servers, security features, price, and more. ExpressVPN is our pick for the best VPN overall, thanks to its fast and reliable connection and the wide range of platforms it works on. However, remaining anonymous can be invaluable to protesters, civil rights groups, journalists, lawyers, and other vulnerable groups. Illegal marketplaces are merely a small fraction of what’s actually there. The dark web, however, requires special software to access, as explained below. The area of the internet we access daily is known as the clear or surface web.
- The FamiSafe parental control app helps you to disable such apps in your kid’s gadget remotely in an effective way.
- The blog contains tons of useful guides about how you can avoid online surveillance.
- IBM Security X-Force, for example, reported that 29% of its ransomware engagements in 2020 involved REvil.
- You don’t need a server to upload content to Freenet, as long as your content is popular, it will remain.
- “In other cases, when companies reveal software vulnerabilities, the operational exploits become accessible on darknet forums and markets,” he says.
How to Access Dark Web Websites
The Risks Of Accessing The Dark Web
To access dark web websites, you need to use the Tor browser. Tor is a free software that allows you to browse the internet anonymously. It works by routing your internet connection through a network of servers, which makes it difficult for anyone to track your online activity. Here’s how to get started:
- Download and install the Tor browser
- Open the Tor browser and connect to the Tor network
- Visit a dark web website by typing its .onion address into the Tor browser’s address bar
Dark Web Websites App
There are also dark web websites apps that you can use to access the dark web. These apps are designed to make it easier to browse the dark web and can be installed on your smartphone or tablet. Some popular dark web websites apps include:
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- Orbot: A free and open-source proxy app that allows you to browse the internet anonymously
- Tor Browser: The official Tor browser app for Android
- Invisible Internet Project (I2P): A fully decentralized anonymizing network
FAQs
What is the difference between the deep web and the dark web?
The deep web refers to all parts of the internet that are not indexed by search engines, while the dark web is a small part of the deep web that is intentionally hidden and can only be accessed through the Tor network. The deep web includes things like academic databases, corporate intranets, and private networks, while the dark web is often associated with illegal activities.
Is it illegal to access the dark web?
No, it is not illegal to access the dark web. However, some activities that take place on the dark web are illegal, and accessing those sites could get you into trouble with the law. It’s important to use the dark web responsibly and avoid any illegal activities.
The project soon evolved to become Freenet — a platform for free speech online. Users could discuss, share, and publish information anonymously and free of government censorship. Ahmia also has a clear web URL and redirects to its own onion link for a safer connection through this website.
Can I use my regular web browser to access the dark web?
What is illegal to view on the dark web?
It is not illegal to visit the dark web. But you can face criminal charges if you use the dark web to sell or purchase illegal firearms, drugs, pornography, stolen passwords, hacked credit card account numbers, or other items.
For you and the people around you, your Facebook account consists of details you want to be public like a profile picture, your statuses, and your ‘About’ section. I’ve been using Pure VPN for over 3 years because it’s always worked well. Everything you do with this VPN will remain private; even your internet provider won’t be able to see what you are doing. Just like on a computer, you need Tor Browser to open the .onion links and browse securely. However, speaking based on personal experience, its search results are not impressive. For instance, I wanted to know Twitter’s onion URL, a very simple piece of information.
No, you cannot use your regular web browser to access the dark web. You need to use a special browser, such as Tor, to access dark web websites.
Is the dark web safe?
The dark web can be a dangerous place, and it’s important to take precautions when accessing it. Always use a reputable dark web browser, such as Tor, and avoid visiting any sites that seem suspicious. It’s also a good idea to use a virtual private network (VPN) to add an extra layer of security.
What is the onion router (Tor)?
The onion router, or Tor, is a free software that allows you to browse the internet anonymously. It works by routing your internet connection through a network of servers, which makes it difficult for anyone to track your online activity. Tor is the most popular way to access the dark web.
How do I access onion sites?
- Download Tor Browser from here.
- Install Tor Browser on your computer by opening the file you downloaded and following the prompts.
- Open Tor Browser.
- Click “Connect” on the Tor startup page.
- Wait for a connection to be established.
- Surf the dark web!