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Using Tor Browser
Understanding the Dark Internet
If criminals have some of your information and need more, they will target you with various scams to try and get more information. The dark web is also home to legitimate sources of information that may not be available through traditional means. Whistleblowers, journalists and political dissidents may use the dark web to share information that would otherwise be censored or suppressed.
The deep web or deep internet is a term referring to parts of the internet not indexed by popular search engines. Furthermore, when you access the Dark Web, your IP address is encrypted, and so is that of the website you are accessing. Both are also rerouted to hundreds if not thousands of different servers, which provides users with complete anonymity. This is why you can access websites that sell all sorts of illegal goods without having to worry (too much) about someone finding out who you are.
Onion sites are considered hidden in the deep web, and they use Tor to encrypt connections to them, keeping visitors and the site creators anonymous. The deep web is the part of the internet that is not indexed by search engines. A part of the deep web is the dark web, which exists inside layered proxy networks—known as darknets. Of these darknets, Tor (short for “The Onion Router”) is by far the largest. Tor’s elaborate onion routing technique makes web tracking extremely difficult, but it’s still possible for third parties to spy on certain aspects of your web activity. And it hides your IP address from hackers, your internet service provider (ISP), and even government spies.
The future of the dark web is uncertain as it continues to evolve and adapt to new technologies and law enforcement methods. New encryption and anonymity tools may arise to counter the advancement of law enforcement and government monitoring tools. It presents a basic setup comprising a search bar and a compilation of outcomes sourced from TOR servers. Not Evil serves as a dark web search engine accessible through TOR, making it an excellent gateway to TOR-specific search tools. The name “Not Evil” cleverly alludes to Google’s former motto, “Don’t be evil,” and unlike Google, it does not engage in advertising or web tracking practices.
- Journalists might use the dark web to communicate with confidential sources.
- To maintain anonymity, all transactions on the dark web are conducted with Bitcoin, a virtually untraceable digital currency, and other types of digital currencies.
- You can access the dark web by installing specific, anonymous browsers, such as TOR.
- Most Dark Web sites use the URL suffix .onion, but this isn’t necessarily the case.
- To access dark web pages, you need to enter the URL into the Tor browser.
It’s still important to follow other safety precautions when accessing the dark web, such as using the Tor browser and avoiding suspicious links and downloads. However, using a reliable VPN can significantly increase your online security and privacy while accessing the dark web. The sharing of illegal pornography and discussion of illegal sex acts account for a significant portion of dark web traffic. The extent of the problem became clear in 2015, when the FBI shut down a dark web site on Tor named Playpen that hosted 23,000 sexually explicit images of minors. There are other ways to protect your information online as well, such as being mindful of what you share on social media, closing unused accounts and avoiding phishing attacks. The surface web or clear web is the public part of the internet that anyone can easily access with an internet browser and search engine.
News websites like the BBC, email services like ProtonMail, and torrent sites like The Pirate Bay all have onion websites. These dark web websites are usually for people who can’t access the surface web version of the site, often because of strict internet regulations in their countries. We highly recommend using a VPN as an additional layer of encryption to your connection and to prevent potential leakages on the Tor network.
The dark internet refers to a portion of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines, making it inaccessible to most users. This hidden part of the web is often associated with various illicit activities, but it also serves legitimate purposes.
What is the Dark Internet?
Essentially, the dark internet is a subset of the deep web, which includes all content that is not indexed by standard search engines. The dark internet requires specific software and configurations to access, notably Tor (The Onion Router) and other similar platforms.
Key Features of the Dark Internet
- Anonymity: Users can browse without revealing their identity, which attracts those seeking privacy.
- Illicit Markets: The dark internet hosts marketplaces for illegal goods and services, including drugs and stolen data.
- Censorship Resistance: It provides a platform for free speech in countries with strict internet censorship.
Accessing the Dark Internet
To access the dark internet, users typically follow these steps:
- Download and install the Tor Browser.
- Connect to the Tor network, which routes your internet traffic through multiple servers to conceal your IP address.
- Visit websites with .onion domains, which can only be accessed through the Tor network.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
While there are many illicit activities that take place on the dark internet, it also serves various important functions:
- Provides a platform for whistleblowers and journalists in oppressive regimes.
- Supports users seeking privacy from governmental surveillance.
Common Misconceptions About the Dark Internet
- All activities are illegal: Not everything on the dark internet is illegal; some content promotes free speech and privacy.
- It’s only for tech-savvy individuals: While it requires specific software, there are user-friendly tools available.
FAQs about the Dark Internet
1. Is the dark internet the same as the dark web?
Yes, the terms are often used interchangeably, although dark web specifically refers to a small part of the dark internet that requires specific software to access.
2. Can you get in trouble for accessing the dark internet?
Accessing the dark internet itself is not illegal, but engaging in illegal activities is subject to prosecution.
3. What are some legitimate uses of the dark internet?
Users leverage the dark internet for privacy, whistleblowing, and bypassing censorship.
Conclusion
The dark internet is a complex and multifaceted part of the online landscape that often evokes fear and misunderstanding. While it undoubtedly harbors illegal activities, it also offers crucial services for those who need privacy and free expression.
