“Within the current Swiss legal framework,” it says, “Proton VPN does not have forced logging obligations.” It goes on to recommend the use of a VPN or Tor connection when using its email client. In any case, it can be used for any dark web activity thanks to various privacy features. Let’s take a closer look at the best VPNs you can use to safely access the dark web. Its inherent anonymity allows everyone from dissidents to whistle-blowers the opportunity to share information free from persecution.
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 hosts legitimate content that is not available on the surface web. To access the dark web, you need to use a special browser called Tor.
What is Tor?
Tor (The Onion Router) is a free and open-source software that enables anonymous communication. It hides your IP address and encrypts your internet traffic, allowing you to browse the web anonymously. Tor also enables access to the dark web, a part of the internet that is not indexed by search engines and is only accessible through special software.
How to Install Tor?
To install Tor, follow these steps:
The Dark Web: Is It Worth The Risk?
What’s more, it’s also hard to establish a VPN over Tor connection, as most VPN providers don’t support them. And even if you find a VPN that does, you’ll still need to perform a manual setup, which is inconvenient and time-consuming. A VPN is an online app that also changes your IP address and encrypts your traffic — but it only does it once, which allows VPNs to provide much faster speeds than Tor. To secure your data with a VPN, you use a VPN app (also called a VPN client) to connect to a VPN server. Once connected, the server will route and encrypt all of your internet traffic. Most top VPNs have paid subscriptions, but there are also a few providers that have good free plans that let you test their services.
How to install Tor for dark web?
- Navigate to the Tor Browser download page.
- Download the Windows .exe file.
- (Recommended) Verify the file's signature.
- When the download is complete, double click the .exe file. Complete the installation wizard process.
- Go to the Tor Project website (https://www.torproject.org/).
- Download the Tor Browser for your operating system.
- Install the Tor Browser by following the installation prompts.
- Launch the Tor Browser and wait for it to connect to the Tor network.
How to Access the Dark Web Using Tor?
Other Deep Web Tools
Once you have installed Tor, you can access the dark web by following these steps:
- Launch the Tor Browser.
- In the Tor Browser address bar, type in the .onion URL of the dark web site you want to visit.
- Press Enter.
- Wait for the Tor Browser to connect to the dark web site.
- That way, you can change your passwords and protect your accounts before anyone can use your data against you.
- If you are searching on the dark web and browsing different -2 website then it is not illegal.
- Granted, criminals do gravitate towards darknet sites in order to perform unlawful activities.
Note: The dark web is not searchable like the surface web. You need to know the .onion URL of the site you want to visit. There are directories of .onion sites available on the surface web, but use them with caution as some may contain malicious links.
About Tor & Hidden Services
Tor Browser is software that lets you surf the internet and use all web services anonymously. Nobody — not even government organizations, law enforcers, or big corporations — would be able to check your browsing history or track your location, provided you follow certain security practices. The dark web is mainly made up of the onion sites on the Tor network and can only be accessed via Tor and the Tor Browser.
Do I have to pay for Tor?
No, Tor Browser is an open source software and it is free. Any browser forcing you to pay and is claiming to be Tor Browser is fake. To make sure you are downloading the right Tor Browser visit our download page.
FAQs
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Is it legal to access the dark web?
Accessing the dark web is not illegal in itself. However, some activities on the dark web are illegal, such as buying or selling illegal goods or services. Always ensure that your activities are legal and ethical.
Can I use my regular browser to access the dark web?
No, you cannot use your regular browser to access the dark web. You need to use the Tor Browser, which is specifically designed to access the dark web.
Is Tor legal in the US?
Tor is legal in the US. You won't likely get in trouble just because you use the Tor browser. However, Tor is not a lawless domain, so you can't use this browser for illegal activities. If you use Tor for buying drugs or weapons, you are held responsible against the law.
Is the dark web safe?
The dark web can be risky due to the presence of illegal activities and malicious actors. Always take precautions to protect your privacy and security, such as using a VPN and avoiding clicking on suspicious links.
You can’t access these .onion sites from your normal web browser—the one you’re probably viewing this page on. Before clicking any of the dark web links below, you’ll need to get the Tor Browser (also called the Onion Browser) or another service that provides dark web access, such as the Brave browser. When you try to connect to a .onion website, your traffic gets routed around the internet, bouncing three times to random servers before it reaches your destination website. Each server adds a layer of encryption, and these layers give rise to the name The Onion Router. Navigating the dark Web can be a daunting task, but with the right tips and best practices, it can be done safely. Its important to keep in mind that the Dark Web is a different world, where illegal activities are prevalent.
Can I be traced on the dark web?
The Tor Browser provides a high level of anonymity, but it is not foolproof. Always take additional precautions to protect your privacy and security, such as using a VPN and avoiding sharing personal information.
Can the government shut down Tor?
While Tor and other proxy servers can anonymize web traffic and bypass censorship, committed repressive governments, such as China and Russia, can IP block the Tor browser by shutting down all entry relays.