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To get on the Dark Web, one can use the Tor browser, a free and open-source software that anonymizes internet traffic and protects users’ online identity. Now, you might’ve heard some scary stories about the Dark Web—rumors about illegal activities, black markets, and hackers abound. And while it’s true that some of this unsavory activity does take place, it’s not the whole picture. Many people use the Dark Web legally for a range of purposes, from championing free speech to simply wanting to browse the internet with more privacy. Using the Deep Web is as simple as opening your favorite browser and checking your email.
- These things do happen on the dark web, but they are one piece of the jigsaw.
- You can also use Tor to read The New York Times and other news sites or use their SecureDrop integration for whistleblowing purposes.
- In this article, we’ll explain how you can access the dark web safely on a phone — both iPhone and Android.
The dark web, often shrouded in mystery and misconceptions, is a hidden part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. It is known for being a haven for illegal activities, but it also serves as a platform for whistleblowers, journalists, and individuals seeking anonymity online. If you are curious about exploring the dark web, here is a guide on how to access it.
Step 2: Set up the Tor Browser
Understanding the Basics
Before diving into the dark web, it is essential to understand the basics. The dark web is a part of the deep web, which comprises websites that are not indexed by search engines. To access the dark web, you will need to use a special browser such as Tor (The Onion Router). Tor routes your internet traffic through a series of servers, encrypting it at each step, to provide anonymity.
FAQs on Accessing the Dark Web Safely
The Internet is sizable with millions of web pages, databases, and servers all run 24 hours a day. But the so-called “visible” Internet (aka surface web or open web) — sites that can be found using search engines like Google and Yahoo — is just the tip of the iceberg. You can access the dark web by installing specific, anonymous browsers, such as TOR. Once installed, the browser works the same way traditional ones do.
How to Access the Dark Web on a Computer
Steps to Access the Dark Web
- Download the Tor Browser: The first step is to download the Tor browser from the official website. It is available for Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android.
- Install and Configure Tor: Once you have downloaded the Tor browser, install it on your device and follow the setup instructions. Tor is designed to protect your privacy and ensure secure browsing on the dark web.
- Access .onion Websites: .onion websites are unique to the dark web and cannot be accessed using traditional browsers. To visit these sites, enter the URL in the Tor browser’s address bar.
- Stay Safe: While browsing the dark web, it is crucial to remain vigilant and protect your identity. Avoid sharing personal information, interacting with unknown individuals, or engaging in illegal activities.
Sites that are not indexed in this way can only be accessed directly and these are the sites that make up the deep web. Sci-Hub is mostly useful for academics who know the PMID, DOI, or URLs of papers they want to access. At the same time, websites like the Imperial Library of Trantor store stuff that’s interesting to the broader public. Aside from revealing just how widely unused Tor is (data suggests barely more than 1.5 million daily users), you can also see the scope of the network. DuckDuckGo, to some, is a search engine; it has a clear web presence and a hidden service presence. However, dark content, as the name implies is best known for illicit and generally, distressing stuff.
Pages on the Deep Web are commonly protected by a login page, password, paywall, or other means of limiting access, and are designed to be private. Deep Web pages include personal pages like webmail inboxes and account pages on various sites. They also include internal company data and sites that are accessible via the Internet but protected by authentication. Since Dark Web sites go up and down all the time, and figuring out the URL is pretty much impossible, even Dark Web search engines are notoriously unreliable!
By following these steps, you can safely explore the dark web and discover its hidden corners. Remember to exercise caution and use the anonymity provided by Tor responsibly. Happy browsing!
