Is DuckDuckGo a Tor?
DuckDuckGo is the default search engine in Tor Browser. DuckDuckGo does not track its users nor does it store any data about user searches. Learn more about DuckDuckGo privacy policy.
The darknet, also known as the “deep web” or “invisible web,” is a part of the internet that is not indexed by search engines like Google or Bing. It is estimated that the darknet makes up around 90% of the entire internet, and is home to a variety of content, both legal and illegal. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide on how to access the darknet, including the necessary tools and precautions to take.
What is the Darknet?
Which VPN Is Best For Accessing The Dark Web?
When navigating the dark web, we suggest using a trusted search engine like DuckDuckGo.onion. To access the dark web using a VPN, we recommend using the Onion over VPN method, which involves connecting to a VPN server before connecting to the Tor Browser. The Apple App Store and the Google Play Store are also filled with fake apps that are not safe to use.
The darknet is a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and is inaccessible through standard web browsers. It is often associated with illegal activities such as drug trafficking, weapons sales, and child pornography. However, it is also used for legitimate purposes, such as whistleblowing, political activism, and secure communication. The darknet is often used by journalists, activists, and law enforcement agencies to communicate and share information securely.
How to Access the Darknet
- However, it’s up to us to take control of our personal privacy in a world of bulk data collection, surveillance, and personalized ad tracking.
- A layer underneath the surface web is the deep web, which is the largest part of the internet.
- Several sites hosting illegal material have been discovered by government agencies and shut down in recent years, including Silk Road, AlphaBay, and Hansa.
- You may be targeted by law enforcement, exploited by hackers, or threatened by criminals using the dark web for nefarious purposes.
- The Hidden Wiki is a version of Wikipedia that is on the dark web.
Accessing the darknet requires the use of special software known as a “darknet client” or “darknet browser.” The most popular darknet client is the Tor browser, which is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux. The Tor browser uses a network of volunteer-run servers to route internet traffic, allowing users to browse the web anonymously. Other popular darknet clients include I2P and Freenet.
Related Content
The open web is the public counterpoint to the deep and dark web. Apps are independently audited for security and are available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. Connection speeds are very fast, and you should be able to stream HD and 4K content without buffering. Surfshark works well with streaming platforms and is able to access geo-restricted content from the likes of Netflix, HBO, Hulu, and Disney+.
Step 1: Download and Install a Darknet Client
The first step in accessing the darknet is to download and install a darknet client. As mentioned earlier, the most popular darknet client is the Tor browser. To download the Tor browser, visit the official Tor Project website and follow the instructions for your operating system. Once the Tor browser is installed, launch it and allow it to connect to the Tor network.
Is The Dark Web Safe And Do I Need A VPN To Access It?
Step 2: Browse the Darknet
Tor browser is named after “The Onion Router” protocol that powers the dark web. As mentioned, Tor servers are completely concealed from regular internet browsers. However, by connecting to them using the Tor browser you can easily access them in a completely private and anonymous manner.
Once the Tor browser is connected to the Tor network, you can begin browsing the darknet. The Tor browser includes a built-in search engine called the “Hidden Wiki” that can be used to find darknet websites. Darknet websites are also known as “hidden services” and have a “.onion” top-level domain. For example, a popular darknet marketplace called “The Silk Road” had the address “silkroad6ownowfk.onion”
As I mentioned previously, the dark web is quite popular with journalists, political bloggers and news publishers, and others who run the risk of imprisonment in countries like Iran and others. Click on “Safest.” As you’ll see, JavaScript and a few other features will be automatically disabled on all sites. Be warned that this may cause some websites to not work properly. However, if you must buy items from the dark web, set up a secure, encrypted email with CounterMail or ProtonMail. For more information, read more about the most secure email service providers in my other post.
Precautions to Take
The dark web helps people to maintain privacy and freely express their views. Privacy is essential for many innocent people terrorized by stalkers and other criminals. The increasing tendency of potential employers to track posts on social media can also make it difficult to engage in honest discussions publicly. Proxies are used when you need to surf the internet as anonymously as you can. You’d need a VPN (Virtual Private Network) which hides/masks the connection that you are actually on.
Accessing the darknet can be risky, and it is important to take precautions to protect your privacy and security. Here are some tips:
- Use a VPN: A virtual private network (VPN) can provide an additional layer of security by encrypting your internet traffic and hiding your IP address.
- Do not use personal information: Do not use your real name, address, or other personal information when accessing the darknet. Use a pseudonym and a secure email address.
- Do not download files: Downloading files from the darknet can be dangerous, as they may contain malware or viruses. Only download files from trusted sources.
- Do not engage in illegal activities: Engaging in illegal activities on the darknet can result in serious consequences, including arrest and imprisonment.
What can you use Tor for?
Tor is mainly a resource for people that just want a more private browser or dissidents and journalists trying to bypass their country's censorship and surveillance networks. In fact, the more you use Tor for your everyday browsing activity, the more the traffic of the people that need Tor's anonymity is obscured.
FAQs
Is Tor an Onion Browser?
The Onion Router (TOR) and TOR browser are related but distinct technologies. TOR is a network of servers that anonymizes internet traffic by routing it through multiple nodes, making it difficult to trace the origin of the traffic.
Q: Is it illegal to access the darknet?
A: No, it is not illegal to access the darknet. However, many activities that take place on the darknet are illegal, and engaging in them can result in serious consequences.
Q: Can I access the darknet on my phone?
A: Yes, you can access the darknet on your phone using a darknet client such as the Tor browser. However, it is not recommended, as mobile devices are more vulnerable to security threats.
Q: Can I use my regular email address on the darknet?
A: No, it is not recommended to use your regular email address on the darknet. Instead, create a new email address using a secure email provider such as ProtonMail or Tutanota.
Q: Can I be traced on the darknet?
A: While it is more difficult to be traced on the darknet than on the regular internet, it is not impossible. It is important to take precautions to protect your privacy and security.
How much of the internet is the dark web?
The dark web is a subset of the deep web that is intentionally hidden, requiring a specific browser—Tor—to access, as explained below. No one really knows the size of the dark web, but most estimates put it at around 5% of the total internet.
