Since these pages would otherwise be behind paywalls, it stands to reason that this would go against copyright laws. Sci-hub is a helpful dark web platform for those looking to access important research blocked by a paywall. You can access almost any published paper that would have otherwise been hidden behind a paywall. Therefore, you will always find updated search results while using this service.
Sellers often need to pay a deposit to prove they’re serious, and they build their reputation through positive reviews. As of 2020, nearly 57% of the dark web was estimated to contain illegal content, including violence and extremist platforms. Now that we’ve learned how to use the best dark web websites to find useful and interesting information, perhaps it’s time to explore other interesting websites. For instance, you may want to tease your brain with one of these intellectual websites serving every category. If you’re having trouble opening a specific onion link, or the overall Tor speed is slow, we have detailed tips on how to make Tor faster.
Keybase — Privacy-Focused Messaging With Disappearing Chats And Social Media Search
Laws pertaining to anonymity and the use of privacy-enhancing tools vary widely from one country to another. While accessing the dark web may be perfectly legal in some regions, other places may restrict or scrutinize such activities more heavily. Engaging with certain types of content—such as copyrighted materials, illegal drugs, or illicit services—can lead to serious legal consequences. If you’re unsure about the legal boundaries in your country, consulting a knowledgeable attorney or reviewing reputable sources of legal information is a prudent first step. Keybase is a secure platform that lets people chat, share files, and collaborate — kind of like a privacy-first version of cloud storage service Dropbox or communication platform Slack. Everything you send through Keybase is end-to-end encrypted, which means only you and the person you’re talking to can see what’s being shared.
Pro Tip: Use A VPN To Stay Safe When Using The Dark Web Search Engines

In this volatile ecosystem, recognizing the dynamic nature of the dark web is half the battle. By acknowledging that services, communities, and security measures are in constant flux, you can better position yourself to respond effectively. ProPublica has a clearnet site, but its dark web version won’t see your IP address, so you get better privacy. You can also use its .onion link via the Tor network to access the site in restrictive countries, where it might be unavailable.
- However, make sure you’re careful which links you click on — some of them lead to sites that contain illegal content and services.
- He has worked for several international tech platforms, and his writing and editing expertise has also enhanced over time.
- It filters out illegal and scammy content while indexing only verified .onion links.
- As a result, it not only focuses on the UK but also provides worldwide news.
- Stick to verified directories, question everything, and always put your privacy first.
- A network browser gives you access to sites with the ‘.onion’ registry operator.
The dark web draws not only serious cyber criminals but also law enforcement agents aiming to catch them. Many exit nodes are actually operated by law enforcement and scammers. It’s not illegal per se to access an onion website, but that doesn’t mean your actions while connected to the dark web are immune from law enforcement.

Torch — A Long-Standing Dark Web Search Engine With A Wide Index Of Onion Sites
In 2021, they showed how tax rates benefit the rich, and they relied on stolen or leaked IRS documents to do so. In addition to the surface web, ProPublica also hosts their site on the dark web, because they want to make sure that everyone can access their reporting. A robust antivirus can help block malware and other online threats, even on the dark web.

ProPublica — Investigative Journalism News Site
It’s an operation that led to Cracked losing the original domain, but didn’t disappear – it simply moved to the new address. The fact that it discusses vulnerabilities, legal tools, data leaks, and malware attracts prominent threat actors constantly. Also, it has a strong stance on sharing Russian data, which shows a nuanced approach when it comes to geopolitical sensitivity. It is a forum on the darknet that’s designed like X (formerly Twitter). Dark web forums are online communities where individuals participate in discussions on a wide range of subjects, from technology and privacy to more illicit matters.
- Other major news sources blocked in some countries, like the BBC, also have dark web versions.
- Avoid entering any real personal details or using existing accounts on dark web sites.
- Dread is arguably the most prominent forum, likened to Reddit but within the dark web.
- Torch is one of the oldest dark web search engines, and it’s generally considered one of the safest.
- This is a free service that lets you upload images to share them with other people.
- The original (linked below) is still considered the most reliable, so try to avoid counterfeit versions.
Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud: New Version C2505
Clearly, if you want to form your exclusive private club of family members, friends, fellow journalists, or other close-knit groups, Keybase is a wonderful online platform. It also works with Windows, Android, iOS, macOS, and Linux, ensuring your co-participants can use any device. The starting point for many people’s journeys into the darker corners of the Internet, “the Hidden Wiki” is a vast repository of many of the more popular dark websites on Tor. It can be a bit of a Wild West, but if that’s the case, then The Hidden Wiki is like a frontier town, where there’s at least some semblance of order. Avoid using your real name or repeating patterns that can be traced back to you, such as favorite usernames, writing style, or posting schedule. Even small details, like the time of day you’re active, can be used to connect the dots between your real and anonymous identity.
Explore The Dark Web More Securely With A VPN

Tor was designed specifically to provide anonymity on the internet, and Tor Onion Services address one of the Tor network’s biggest weaknesses (Tor exit nodes). Using Tor Onion Services is the most anonymous way yet devised to access the world wide web. However, nothing online should ever be considered 100% secure or anonymous, so rely on the protections Tor provides at your own risk. The following list of Tor sites showcases some of the best and most useful legitimate content available on the dark web. Please exercise extreme caution following onion links from these websites, though, as the dark web can be very dark indeed. This provides convenience, as it allows you to access onion websites using your regular browser.
Apart from having that “As above, so below” vibe, Tunnels is a great source of info for users who are into dark urban history. The website contains pictures and videos of various cavern-like structures, shafts, and possibly escape tunnels. As the name suggests, Impreza Hosting is a (dark) web hosting service that provides all sorts of goodies such as domain names, host email services, and even servers for rent. A little refresher on the dark web – it’s like a gathering house, where all sorts of people congregate. Radar Rundown Hiding your IP address is one of the best ways to protect your online activities from … The deep web is not a series of sites but a storehouse of records, including email accounts, medical records, private messages, and more.
Top 13 Dark Web Forums Of 2025 To Monitor
It is essentially a list of all the notable websites available on the Tor Network that is kept in a single, organized place. Never log in with your real name or reuse passwords from other accounts. Stick to cryptocurrency, avoid downloading anything, and don’t share any personal info. If you ever decide to explore the dark web, protecting your identity is crucial. Most people start by using the Tor Browser, which hides your IP address.
How To Access The Dark Web
Accessing tunnels is illegal and dangerous, which is why records of these “adventures” can only be found on the dark web. If you want to access this site, do it only for fair purposes and with proper security measures. You can access thousands of issues, from the most popular to the most niche.