How to access ".onion" Dark Web URLs

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Reading articles on the Dark Web requires using the Tor Browser. Never try to browse the Dark Web using regular web browsers like Firefox, Chrome, or Safari.

Example Dark Web links (it is totally normal for the links to look long and random):

NOTE: A proper Dark Web link always ends in ".onion". Beware links that try to fool you with domain names that end in something like ".onion.to". Those are "Tor2Web" links. The Tor2Web service is a reverse proxy that tells you that you can use them to get to the Dark Web. DO NOT USE THOSE LINKS. Instead, install the Tor Browser software and use the proper ".onion" links through the Tor Browser instead. That way, your internet connection can't be spied on or interfered with in any way.

Simple steps to access Dark Web links:

  1. Download Tor Browser
  2. Install Tor Browser
  3. Open Tor Browser
  4. Disable Javascript in Tor Browser by enabling "Safest" security mode
  5. Click on the shield icon in the Tor Browser address bar
  6. Click the "Advanced Security Settings" button on the drop down menu
  7. In the Security settings page, click the radio button next to the section entitled "Safest"
  8. Close the "Preferences" tab
  9. Copy one of the above Dark Web URLs
  10. Paste the Dark Web URL into the Tor Browser address bar
  11. Click the "Go" button in the address bar or press the "Enter" key

Operational security pro tips:

  • Subscribe to a VPN (Virtual Private Network) service and no one will even know you're using Tor Browser in the first place
  • Never resize or maximize the Tor Browser window. Websites can single you out of the Tor privacy cloud just by the unique size of your browser window.
  • Never give your personal information or log into public Internet web sites with your personally identifiable account or information
  • Consider subscribing to a privacy-respecting, secure email service like Protonmail
  • Consider using VPN and Tor Browser from your smart phone as well

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