News Sites: ProPublica, New York Times, BBC, And The Guardian
The internet is a vast and diverse place, with billions of websites and pages to explore. However, there is a part of the web that remains hidden from the average user: the .onion network. This part of the web, also known as the “dark web,” is only accessible through the Tor browser and requires special .onion links to access.
What are .onion links?
.onion links are special URLs that are used to access websites on the Tor network. These links are made up of a random string of characters, and they are only accessible through the Tor browser. The Tor browser is a free and open-source software that allows users to browse the web anonymously and access the dark web.
ML & Data Science
Most researchers believe that about 5% of all internet traffic takes place on the dark side. As previously said, not every part of the dark web is utilized for illegal activities. If you want to access the Tor network on your iPhone or iPad, you can use the Onion Browser app. The mobile app uses DuckDuckGo as its default search engine and is supported by the Orbit framework to provide secure access to the Tor network. VPNs are also used for accessing geo-locked content hosted by streaming services.
How do I find .onion links?
- During normal browsing, information travels across the internet in packets.
- After your data is secured inside multiple layers of encryption, your web traffic is transmitted through a series of network nodes, called onion routers.
- DuckDuckGo makes for a reliable Google alternative, letting you search the surface web with additional privacy.
- The Hidden Wiki serves as the dark web version of Wikipedia and simplifies navigation on TOR with its directory.
- To this end, Riseup makes sure no records of communication are kept, and the platform is protected against malicious attacks and government interference.
Finding .onion links can be a bit tricky, as they are not indexed by traditional search engines like Google. However, there are a few ways to find them:
Deep Search
- Directly from the website: Some websites will provide a .onion link on their main page or in their “Contact Us” section.
- Dark web search engines: There are a few search engines that specialize in indexing .onion links, such as Ahmia and Candle.
- Forums and communities: There are many forums and communities dedicated to the dark web, where users share .onion links and other information.
Third parties can still see your IP address before you use Tor though, which means your ISP knows if you’re using the browser. That’s why we recommend using Tor-over-VPN so you can hide your dark web marketplaces Tor activity too. Riseup also provides mailing lists for activist organizations filtered by various topics, including animal rights, economic justice, human rights, and disability rights.
Is it safe to use .onion links?
Using .onion links can be safe, but it is important to remember that the dark web is home to many illegal and dangerous activities. It is important to only visit websites that you trust, and to never give out personal information or engage in illegal activities. Additionally, it is important to keep your Tor browser and other security software up to date to protect yourself from potential threats.
Activists, whistleblowers, and journalists often use the dark web to access news and content that’s otherwise accessible. They also use it to encrypt their communications and keep their identities under wraps via Tor — especially in countries where reading or sharing content could lead to harm. It’s designed specifically for people in high-surveillance or restricted countries who can’t access Facebook freely. It’s the same as the original social media platform, just with greater anonymity. Since you access it through the Tor browser, it helps shield your identity and get around firewalls.
FAQs
- What is the Tor browser? The Tor browser is a free and open-source Cocorico url software that allows users to browse the web anonymously and access the dark web.
- What is the dark web? The dark web is a part of the web that is only accessible through the Tor browser and requires special .onion links to access.
- How do I access .onion links? .onion links can be accessed through the Tor browser, which can be downloaded for free from the Tor Project website.
- Is it illegal to use drug black markets? No, it is not illegal to use .onion links. However, many of the websites that can be accessed through .onion links are involved in illegal activities, so it is important to be cautious and only visit websites that you trust.
One of the most popular ways to get around the dark web is not to use a search engine at all. Just like in the old days of the internet, the dark web maintains numerous indexes of sites, like The Hidden Wiki. Unlike Ahmia and Haystak, however, DuckDuckGo doesn’t search .onion sites.
In conclusion, the .onion network is a hidden part of the web that can be accessed through the Tor browser and special .onion links. It is important to be cautious and only visit websites that you trust, as the dark web is home to many illegal and dangerous activities. With the right precautions, exploring the .onion network can be a fascinating and educational experience.
