Onion links, also known as Tor hidden services, are websites that can only be accessed through the Tor network. The Tor network is a decentralized network of servers that allows users to browse the internet anonymously. By using onion links, users can access websites that are not indexed by traditional search engines, and therefore not easily accessible to the general public.
The Great Onion Debate
How to Access Onion Links
To access onion links, you need to first download and install the Tor browser. The Tor browser is a modified version of the Firefox browser that routes all internet traffic through the Tor network. Once you have installed the Tor browser, you can access onion links by typing the onion link address into the browser’s address bar.
Why Use Onion Links?
Onion Index is a well-known search engine that provides search results with .onion websites. The search engine is made with a simple UX and provides more user friendly. Users can submit their Onion websites link, which will be analyzed and indexed. To access and find new onion links on the dark web, one should know a search engine to find those links. I personally recommend Tor over VPN because it’s the safer option — the VPN encrypts your traffic and changes your IP address, so the Tor network can’t see them.
Best Onion Sites By Category
Onion links are often used by individuals and organizations who want to maintain their anonymity online. This can include whistleblowers, activists, journalists, and anyone else who wants to keep their online activity private. Onion links can also be used to access websites that are blocked or censored in certain countries.
Onion Links for Whistleblowers
The Hidden Wiki — The Index Of The Dark Web
Whistleblowers can use onion links to safely and anonymously share information with the public. For example, the whistleblowing platform WikiLeaks has a Tor hidden service that allows whistleblowers to securely submit documents and other information. By using the Tor network, whistleblowers can protect their identity and avoid retaliation from those who may be threatened by the information they are sharing.
- The data encryption takes place on your browser before it goes to the server.
- Users should always exercise ethical judgment and abide by the laws of their respective jurisdictions.
- The dark web is a subsection of the World Wide Web in which websites can only be built or accessed using a specific software (like Tor) or configuration.
- Unlike Ahmia and Haystak, however, DuckDuckGo doesn’t search .onion sites.
Onion Links for Activists
However, beyond what we all know, there is a part of the Internet that escapes the search engines and allows users to remain anonymous. In addition, experts warn about their risks and the existence of child pornography and sale of drugs in deep web links. The deep web is the hidden part of the internet that contains material, information and web pages that are not indexed in any of the existing search engines such Google. So in the hypothetical case that search engines could index the entire content on the web would mean that the deep web would disappear.
Activists can use onion links to organize and communicate with other activists without fear of government surveillance or censorship. For example, the Riseup collective provides secure email and messaging services to activists around the world. By using onion links, activists can access these services without revealing their IP address or other identifying information.
Onion Links for Journalists
Journalists can use onion links to protect their sources and maintain their own anonymity. For example, the SecureDrop platform allows whistleblowers to securely submit documents and other information to journalists. By using onion links, journalists can ensure that their sources’ identities are protected, and that their own online activity is not being monitored or tracked.
FAQs
Although I was initially concerned over this detail, I was reassured upon discovering that PIA has a proven no-logs policy. In 2016, Russia ordered VPN providers with local servers to keep logs. Rather than comply, PIA simply removed its servers from the country. I appreciate this commitment to user privacy and am confident that PIA’s no-logs policy is legitimate.
- Are onion links safe? Onion links can be safe, but it’s important to only visit reputable websites. Be wary of any onion link that asks for personal information or tries to install malware on your computer.
- Can I access onion links on my phone? Yes, you can access onion links on your phone by using the Tor browser for Android or iOS.
- How do I know if a website has an onion link? You can use a search engine like Ahmia to search for onion links. Ahmia is a search engine that only indexes Tor hidden services.
Snapshots of webpages are submitted by users, so you can share your findings with others and preserve interesting and valuable information in the archive. Kilos is one of the newest and most extensive search engines on the Dark Web, with an expanding index of 7 darknet marketplaces and 6 forums. It also offers its own members-only live chat and, most recently, a Bitcoin mixer called Krumble. Keep in mind that since it’s such a popular resource, there are many counterfeit versions of The Hidden Wiki on the Dark Web.
With the use of a mixer, you can ensure the availability of fresh coins at the time of withdrawal. Specialized dark web search engines are designed to crawl and index dark web content, though sometimes, they also crawl for surface web content. One thing to be wary about is that, like most dark web search engines, Torch doesn’t filter websites. This increases the likelihood of stumbling onto a malicious webpage or harmful material. That is why in 2006 they created “the most private search engine in the world”, which does not record, track, or share your personal data.
In conclusion, onion links are a powerful tool for maintaining privacy and anonymity online. By using the Tor network and accessing onion links, individuals and organizations can protect their identity and avoid censorship or surveillance. Whether you’re a whistleblower, activist, journalist, or just someone who values their privacy, onion links can help you stay safe and secure online.
