Top Dark Web Websites to Access Info Not Available Anywhere
Check out the top dark web websites to access a variety of information, deep web search engines, and more.
The debate around the best dark websites is both positive and negative in its present context. These websites are privy to abusive and illegitimate content like buying/selling of weapons & drugs. But they also stand as a ray of hope for people who have no access to outside information. Read More
Best Dark Web Websites to Access Censored Content, Encrypted Emailing, and More
Visit Facebook:
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Facebook’s onion version is truly one of the best dark websites. It allows its users to access the service without revealing their location or exposing their internet activity to third parties.
The social media onion site completely mirrors its surface web counterpart. It offers the same features and functionality with the added benefit of being anonymous. The platform is encrypted end-to-end for messages further adding a layer of privacy.
The initiative was taken as a commitment to user privacy and security and it highlights the importance of anonymity and secure communication in this digital age. In fact, the non-threatening service is banned in many countries like China, Russia, Iran, etc., and people from there often visit it on the onion dark web. This aids them in connecting with the outer world, and provides these people to make friends globally. However, it is important to know that Facebook’s onion version does offer some security features but it can still be privy to the threats of darknet.
Why we picked it?
DuckDuckGo - Search Engine
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DuckDuckGo is often preferred on the surface web for being a privacy-led search engine. However, it is also the best dark web search engine that you can use on the darknet. In fact, the moment you install the Tor browser, it is the default search engine provided to you.
However, what’s special about this best dark website is the additional layer of anonymity. DuckDuckGo conceals users’ IP addresses and encrypts their online activities. It is like its surface web counterpart but does not track users, store personal information, or log search history.
The darknet search engine also mirrors the functionality and design of its surface web version. It values privacy and is valuable for people living in regions with stringent censorship and surveillance. So, if you wish to make a web search on the darknet, this is the ideal choice because of its unwavering privacy commitment on both platforms.
Why we picked it?
BBC
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Do you know that the BBC is banned in China, Russia, Myanmar, and Zimbabwe? And, there is no way to use it without getting traced unless you use the Tor network. To showcase its importance, BBC is among the biggest news portals available today and not having access to it is a pure travesty if international news is essential for you to consume.
Well, there is a darknet version of BBC. It offers a secure and anonymous way to explore BBC news and content. Its onion site provides the same articles, features, and multimedia content as that of its surface web version. However, the primary difference is in the enhanced privacy and security the Tor network offers.
Comparing it to its surface web version, this is among the dark websites that ensure unbiased news and information without censorship or reprisal. Its commitment to free access to information is a hallmark of BBC’s mission. It delivers numerous benefits that include high-quality journalism, diverse perspectives, and comprehensive coverage of global news. In fact, this is one of the onion sites that is vital to individuals in oppressive regimes or for those who prioritize privacy.
Why we picked it?
Archive Today
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Archive Today also known as ‘archive.is’ is a time capsule for pages that may no longer be available on the web. The service saves the text and a graphical copy of the page. This helps its users to explore information that might get lost with time.
It also has a dark web version that operates in the domain of the best dark web search engines because of its unique offering. The hidden service is particularly useful for those people who live in regions with strict internet censorship and surveillance. In fact, users can save pages, create snapshots, and even archive content without exposing the IP addresses.
Both its darknet and surface web version offer similar services. It provides unbiased and comprehensive news with great journalistic coverage and educational content. Overall by ensuring that crucial information remains accessible and verifiable, the platform is contributing to a more informed and transparent digital society.
Why we picked it?
The Hidden Wiki
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The Hidden Wiki is a prominent dark web directory. It provides a centralized list of various links to many onion sites. The service serves as a gateway to help users explore the unindexed side of the internet categorically.
These services range from forums, marketplaces, repositories of information, and privacy-focused resources. The interesting part is that it is unregulated giving its users the opportunity to express themselves freely with privacy.
However, what makes this Tor website compelling is its uncensored nature. Individuals living under oppressive regimes can use the power of speech to share their ideas. It also provides various resources to journalists, activists, and whistleblowers who require a secure communication channel to share sensitive information. Additionally, you get privacy-enhancing tools and services that make it transformative in the modern internet landscape.
Why we picked it?
The New York Times
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The New York Times is a renowned global news organization. It is known for its rigorous journalism and in-depth reporting. Established in the year 1851, it has been pivotal in its domain and has been delivering comprehensive coverage on a wide range of topics. Be it politics or international affairs, the NYT website offers breaking news, feature articles, opinion pieces, and multimedia content.
Its darknet version is well-organized, user-friendly, and continuously updated on the latest news worldwide. However, it is important to know that its surface web version offers a more polished and responsive interface.
The New York Times' commitment to factual reporting and journalistic integrity makes it transcendent in the upliftment of society. Also, this is the reason it is even accessed in countries where it is banned through its .onion site. Its content spans a broad spectrum of interests that caters to a wide audience and fosters a well-informed public. Overall, it is truly one of the best dark websites that enhance accessibility and keep its readers informed in any part of the world.
Why we picked it?
ProPublica
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ProPublica is a non-profit newsroom. It is dedicated to investigative journalism catering to the public interest. Founded in the year 2007, its mission is to expose the abuses of power and betrayals of public trust by different organizations like governments, businesses, and capitalistic corporations.
Its surface web version is similar in content and design. It, among the best onion sites, has delivered high-impact news that has sparked changes. Its work has earned it numerous awards including six Pulitzer Prizes. In fact, its website covers investigative reports, data-driven journalism, and interactive projects, all freely accessible to the public.
ProPublic’s darknet version provides a secure and private way for users to consume legitimate news. Its investigative approach has held many powerful entities accountable. It brings the attention of the common public to critical issues that are often overlooked by the mainstream media. To sum up, its journalism is a public service that fosters change through information by engaging the common citizenry.
Why we picked it?
Ahmia - Search Engine
Visit Ahmia - Search Engine:
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Ahmia is a specialized search engine that is often considered among the best Google search alternatives considering darknet. It indexes and facilitates access to the Tor network’s dark web links. The search engine offers a minimal user-friendly old-school interface and offers navigation to the opaque and fragmented dark web.
One of the key advantages of using this among the best dark web search engines is its enhanced privacy features. It also adds a layer of security by not tracking user searches or collecting personal data. This is crucial for users who are concerned about surveillance or censorship in their region.
Ahmia helps users access a wealth of resources. Resources that are often hard to discover on the surface web. Basically, in today’s world, it works as a bridge between the open internet and the more secretive aspects of the Tor network.
Why we picked it?
CIA
Visit CIA:
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The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is a US-based intelligence agency. However, it operates in a unique segment on the dark web. It provides comprehensive information on the agency’s mission, history, and organizational structure.
It, one of the dark web websites, offers resources for the public related to national security issues and career opportunities. In contrast, its Onion version offers two things: Enhanced security in browsing and Security of user identity. The version is aimed at individuals who are under oppressive regimes or in sensitive situations. Furthermore, the benefit of anonymized browsing is that it safeguards users from surveillance and tracking by a tyrant government.
The CIA’s presence on the dark web brings several advantages. This ensures that all the critical information and services remain accessible even in restricted areas. The initiative is symbolic of the CIA’s commitment to maintaining secure channels of communication and information distribution.
Why we picked it?
ProtonMail
Visit ProtonMail:
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ProtonMail is a secure email service. It was founded by scientists and engineers from CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research). Launched in 2014, the services operate on a zero-access encryption model. This means that the service itself cannot read users’ emails.
Its robust security feature facilitates true end-to-end encryption which seems like a gimmick if we talk about conventional services especially if we consider multiple data leaks news from the past. On the service, the users can seamlessly create an account, manage email settings, and send encrypted messages. The platform also includes features like self-destructing emails and anonymous sign-up options.
In comparison to its web version, it provides easy access to features and supports a broad range of devices and operating systems. Its encrypted communication helps conceal identity from potential breaches or unauthorized access. Overall, it is a user-friendly service that is a standout choice if you prioritize security and confidential communication.
Why we picked it?
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Onion Websites: Key Points
If you want to use onion websites, here are some of the essential points you must remember:
- Accessibility: Regular web browsers aren’t capable of accessing onion websites or dark web links. So, you need a Tor browse that anonymizes traffic and allows you to access hidden sites on the dark web.
- Content: There can be legitimate content like whistleblowing platforms or access to censored information from certain countries. Contrarily, it is also a breeding ground for activities like selling drugs, weapons, or stolen data.
- Anonymity: A key feature of onion websites is retaining anonymity. However, the website and the user are hidden so it is difficult to track who’s running the site or who is visiting it. This attracts all types of users both legitimate and illegitimate.
- Risks: Considering the anonymous nature of the dark web, it can be a dangerous place. In fact, malware, scams, and illegal content are often common on these websites.
What is the Dark Web and Its Importance?
The dark web is the hidden part of the internet. It is not accessible through regular search engines like Google or DuckDuckGo. This requires specific software like Tor to navigate. So, here’s a breakdown:
What is it?
- Imagine the internet like an iceberg. The surface web is the tip of it that is available to you through search engines like Google. The larger part is the deep web that are private databases or password-protected areas. From that, a tiny portion of the deep web requires special software to access.
- Dark web websites use “.onion” addresses and anonymize the traffic using the Tor network making it difficult to track the users or the website’s operators.
Furthermore, the importance of the dark web has both positive and negative bifurcations. Let’s see:
Positive Uses:
- Whistleblowing: These platforms allow anonymous reporting of the wrongdoing within the organizations. Some of the real-world incidents that involve these platforms are The Panama Papers, The Shadow Brokers, The Ashley Madison Data Breach, etc.
- Censorship circumvention: This is accessing information that is otherwise blocked. In fact, many governments like China control the information from the outside world also known as the “Great Firewall”. To breach it, many Chinese users access the dark web to access that information.
- Privacy-focused services: These are tools that are used for communication or securing document storage with high anonymity. Some of the examples are Signal (messaging app), Tor Browser (web browser for the dark web), Tutanota (Email Service), etc.
Negative Uses:
- Illegal activities: The dark web is often infamous for selling drugs, weapons, and even stolen data. Some incidents that you learn about are the Silk Road, Alphabay and Hansa Market, Besa Mafia, etc.
- Scams and malware: These are malicious actors that exploit anonymity to spread malware or trick users into scams. Here are some real-life examples: “The Wannacry Ransomware Attack”, “Cerber Ransomware”, “Dream Market Fraudulent Listings”, etc.
- Unreliable information: Lack of regulation means that the information found on the dark web can be false and misleading. Some of the ways this information is spread are fake news and misinformation, fake government documents, fake cryptocurrency, bogus security breaches, etc.
How to Access Onion Sites?
As discussed, to access dark web websites you need special software that can interact with the Tor network. This software enables anonymous browsing and lets you access these hidden sites. So, here’s how to go on dark web and access websites:
Step-by-Step Guide to Access Onion Sites
1. Download and Install the Tor Browser
- Go to the Official Tor Project Website: Visit torproject.org for the web. If you want to visit the dark web on your smartphone, download the Tor Browser app for Android and the Onion Browser for iOS.
- Install: Follow the instructions that are specific to the operating system you are using to connect with the dark web.
2. Launch the Tor Browser
- Open the Tor Browser: Once the browser is installed, open the Tor Browser.
- Connect to Tor: When you open the Tor Browser for the first time, it will ask you to connect to the Tor network. Simply, click on “Connect” and start the process.
- Wait for Connection: The browser will establish a connection to the Tor network. However, this will take a few seconds.
3. Navigating to Onion Sites
- Enter Onion URL: Once connected, you can enter the .onion URL of the Tor websites you want to visit into the address bar. Typically, these URLs look like “http://3g2upl4pq6kufc4m.onion (for DuckDuckGo’s onion site)".
Alternative Access Methods:
- Tails OS: Tails (The Amnesic Incognito Live System) is a live operating system. It can be booted using a USB stick or a DVD. This OS is designed to preserve your privacy and anonymity and it comes as a pre-installed feature along with the Tor Browser.
- Tor on Mobile: You can access the Tor network on mobile devices using apps like Tor Browser (for Android) and Onion Browser (for iOS).
Also Read: Looking for the best Android browsers? Here’s a list for a seamless internet experience!
Security and Privacy Considerations for the Dark Web
While doing a dark web search, it is essential to stay safe because it is an unregulated part of the internet. Therefore, here are some of the security and privacy considerations that can help you have a safe experience:
Security Threats:
- Malware: Malware is a significant threat to the dark web. These are malicious programs that disguise themselves as downloads and exploit vulnerabilities of your system to steal data or infect it.
- Scams: There are many deceptive practices on the dark web. These can be fake websites that can trick you into revealing personal information or sending money.
- Zero-Day Exploits: In this, criminals exploit any unknown software vulnerabilities that can compromise the system.
Taking Precautions:
- Use a VPN: The first step is to secure yourself using a VPN (virtual private network). A VPN encrypts your traffic and adds another layer of security on top of Tor. It is important to choose a reputable VPN provider that has a strong track record of security.
- Keep Software Updated: Make sure that your operating system, browser (Tor), and antivirus software are updated on the latest security updates. This helps close the vulnerabilities of your system that can be exploited.
- Strong Passwords: It is important to use unique and complex passwords, especially for the people who access these dark websites. You can also consider a password manager to create and manage strong passwords.
- Beware Downloads: Be wary of downloading files on the dark web. Always download from a trusted source and stay away from suspicious attachments or clicking on unknown links.
Additional Considerations:
- Legality: Be aware that there are certain dark web marketplaces or forums that can be considered illegal depending upon the location and the content you are accessing.
- Exit Nodes: While Tor provides anonymity, the final exit node reaching the website is not encrypted. So, there is a slight chance that there could be a malicious actor controlling the exit node to see your unencrypted traffic.
- Human Error: Accidental mistakes can also reveal your identity. So, be mindful of what information you are sharing on dark web forums or websites.
Remember: The dark web is a dangerous place. Even after taking all the precautions, there are still inherent risks involved. So, it is generally recommended to avoid it. However, if you have a specific or legitimate reason, these tips can help keep your surfing safe.
Tips for Using the Tor Browser
Here are some of the tips for effectively using the Tor browser:
- Tor is a separate browser so don’t expect the same functionality or speed as a regular browser.
- Use a VPN to get an added layer of security while surfing the internet.
- Unlike conventional website names, .onion addresses are hard to remember so bookmark the websites you trust.
- Be cautious while clicking on any links or opening files unless you are 100% sure.
- Avoid using the Tor browser for activities that can reveal your identity like checking social media or using email.
- Tor anonymizes traffic but the data at the exit nodes are still vulnerable to malware and human error.
Conclusion
The global situation has always undergone turmoil due to many oppressive regimes, civil wars amongst factions, and fights over resources. In this state, the right to information is not a choice but a necessity. With these best dark websites, it is possible to gain news regarding global politics that could be radical to bring in positive change. Stating this, we hope that our list may have been of help to you, and provide you with all the necessary information you are looking for.
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