Is It Illegal To Go On The Dark Web?
How to Access the Dark Web
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines and requires specific software and configurations to access. It offers a variety of content from forums to marketplaces, often associated with anonymity and privacy.
Perhaps surprisingly, we don’t know of anywhere that using the Tor network is illegal. While you might think that Tor would be banned all over the place, many different types of people rely on it, including governments and law enforcement agencies. It can even be infuriating to see that information brokers’ activities aren’t even illegal because they claim to be using information that already exists in the public domain.
Even if you take the strongest precautions, only accessing HTTPS pages and always using a VPN, trouble can slip through the net. Tor Browser is the easiest — and often the only — way for almost everyone to reach the dark web. Many are controlled by government agents or criminals, and not being a Pokemon trainer, the Tor Project can’t catch ‘em all. It encrypts your HTTP connection and requires both sides of a web transaction to pass strict authentication requirements before decrypting. Have you noticed how all the URLs that used to start with “http” changed to “https” over the last several years?
Understanding the Dark Web
This aspect appeals to individuals who seek to protect their identities, evade censorship, and maintain their privacy. It is important to note that not all activities on the Dark Web are illegal. There are communities and forums focused on various topics, including technology, privacy, cryptography, and more. Some websites on the Dark Web offer legal services, such as secure email providers, encrypted messaging platforms, and anonymous publishing platforms.
With the right tools, online habits, and safety measures, you can make yourself a much harder target for identity thieves and online scammers. Any of these scenarios are a crystal clear warning sign of identity theft. Lots of criminal activity happens on the Dark Web because it offers the anonymity that enables hackers and scammers to go undetected — but only up to a certain point. The Tor Browser is the easiest way to access Tor and thus, the Dark Web. It is available for free download and installation on the official website.
Luckily, you can look up dedicated pages that make it easier to find what you’re looking for. These pages usually categorize dark websites as “onion rings“ that make it easier for you to browse through the list of links. Additionally, check your antivirus software is updated and working on your device. It will be more difficult to intercept your data, track your internet activities, or infect your computer in this manner.
As mentioned above, Tor offers multiple layers of encryption as you browse the dark web. This adds one more layer of security and anonymity between yourself and bad actors on the internet. Then in 2004, Tor was created by the US Naval Research Laboratory to give military personnel an anonymous way to use the internet without giving away their identity or location. This was intended to protect military personnel, while also giving them access to the full internet, even when serving from countries where the internet is heavily vetted by the local government.
When data brokers get hacked, the stolen data can include compromised credit cards, social security numbers, and other data, depending on what was exposed in the breach. This is a common way for identity theft and doxing attacks to occur. Some people simply prefer not to share any information online and use Tor to access normal websites outside the dark web, or to visit dark web news websites and forums. The Tor Project says that of the 2 million people using Tor every day, only 1.5% of them are accessing hidden, or dark, websites. And most dark web websites are in English — according to one estimate, a staggering 78% of information on the dark web is in English.
Before diving into how to access the dark web, it’s essential to understand what it is:
- Dark Web: A hidden part of the internet that requires special tools to access.
- Deep Web: Parts of the internet that are not indexed by search engines, including databases, private sites, and more.
- Web 3.0: The evolving landscape of the internet that emphasizes user sovereignty and decentralization.
Requirements for Access
To safely access the dark web, you need a few tools:
- VPN (Virtual Private Network): This encrypts your internet traffic and helps maintain your anonymity.
- Tor Browser: A specialized web browser designed to access .onion sites on the dark web.
- Secure Operating System: Consider using Tails or a similar OS that emphasizes privacy and security.
Steps to Access the Dark Web
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to access the dark web:
- Set Up a VPN: Choose a reputable VPN service, install it, and connect to a server. This will hide your IP address.
- Download Tor Browser: Go to the official Tor Project website and download the Tor Browser. Ensure you verify the integrity of the download.
- Install and Launch Tor: Follow the installation instructions. Upon launch, connect to the Tor network.
- Browse Safely: Use search engines designed for the dark web, like DuckDuckGo or Not Evil, to find .onion sites.
Important Safety Tips
While exploring the dark web, it’s crucial to take safety precautions:
- Never Share Personal Information: Maintain anonymity by avoiding any personal data disclosures.
- Be Cautious of Downloads: Files can contain malware. Only download from trusted sources.
- Stay Informed: Follow guides and community forums regarding security on the dark web.
- Understand the Legal Implications: Many activities on the dark web are illegal. Be aware of the laws in your jurisdiction.
- This article is an excerpt taken from the book, Hands-On Dark Web Analysis written by Sion Retzkin.
- Tor Browser is designed to offer you enhanced online privacy and anonymity.
- Tails always starts with a clean slate and any evidence of the activities you engage in while using Tails disappears when you shut down Tails.
- These names could be ever-changing, so if you don’t find anything on this address, you can be sure that its name has been changed.
- The extent of crime on the dark web doesn’t just end with financial scams and drugs.
FAQs
Q1: Is the dark web illegal?
A1: The dark web itself is not illegal, but many activities on it can be unlawful. Always stay within legal bounds.
Q2: Can I be tracked on the dark web?
A2: While Tor provides anonymity, it’s not foolproof. Using a VPN adds an additional layer of security.
Q3: What can I find on the dark web?
A3: The dark web hosts a variety of content, from forums and blogs to illicit marketplaces. Exercise caution when exploring.
Q4: Is using the dark web safe?
A4: Safety depends on your actions. Using a VPN, Tor, and following security practices can significantly reduce risks.
Accessing the dark web requires careful preparation and understanding of the risks involved. By following the steps outlined above, you can navigate this hidden part of the internet with a greater sense of security and awareness.
