Is The Dark Web Illegal?
How to Access the Dark Web on Phone
The dark web, a small part of the larger deep web, began to emerge as a result. More seriously, free VPNs – particularly those offered as standalone services – sometimes make money by selling your data to third parties. These aren’t the type of products you should use to keep you safe while exploring the dark web. One of the problems with free VPNs is that they have a poor user-to-server ratio, with too many users and not enough servers. This is not what you want when also using the Tor network, as the two in conjunction will be painfully slow.
Accessing the dark web on your phone can provide you with a wealth of information and resources, but it also comes with significant risks. Here’s a detailed guide on how to safely navigate this hidden part of the internet.
Understanding the Dark Web
The dark web refers to an encrypted network that can only be accessed using specific software. It hosts various websites not indexed by standard search engines. Here’s what you need to know:
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- Privacy and Anonymity: The primary purpose of the dark web is to provide users with the ability to communicate and share information anonymously.
- Risks: The dark web can expose users to illegal activities, scams, and malware. Caution is essential.
The project soon evolved to become Freenet — a platform for free speech online. Users could discuss, share, and publish information anonymously and free of government censorship. The surface web is part of the iceberg above the water, visible and accessible to everyone.
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. By installing and configuring Orbot, you establish a secure connection to the Tor network, which adds an extra layer of privacy and anonymity to your online activities.
If you don’t venture far, you’ll find everyday sites like forums, chat rooms, or torrent dark web websites. To many people, the dark web is just like the surface web — a place where they watch funny videos, chat with like-minded people and read the news. From our experience, these servers aren’t as fast as regular VPN servers or double VPN servers. If you want to stay safe online, get NordVPN now at a 67% discount.
Required Tools
To access the dark web on your phone, you will need specific tools and applications:
- Tor Browser: This is the most widely used tool for accessing the dark web. It routes your internet traffic through multiple servers to anonymize your location.
- A VPN: A Virtual Private Network adds an extra layer of security by encrypting your internet connection.
They have ‘.onion’ extensions, and you’ll need a special browser to view them. You can access the dark web on mobile with a dedicated dark web browser app. Install a mobile dark web browsing app — like Tor browser for Android or the Onion browser for iPhone — and enter a [dot] onion URL to start browsing. 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.
Reportedly, an attacker has been adding thousands of compromised nodes to the Tor network since January 2020. Tor network exit nodes strip off the final layer of encryption protecting a message before sending it on to its final destination. This means the node can see the contents of the message, even though it doesn’t know who sent the message.
Android users will need to download Orbot and Orfox to access the dark web with their phones. Orbot will connect you to the Tor network, and Orfox is the actual browser that you will use. While Tor is an open-source project, your activity can still be traced back to your IP address. The best way to prevent your browsing activity from alerting authorities is to avoid sites with illegal activity altogether — another reason to only visit sites you’ve researched and trust. A VPN also helps protect your privacy by preventing your ISP from monitoring your connection. I recommend choosing a premium VPN with a verified no-logs policy that’s based in a privacy-friendly country and offers high-level encryption, IP/DNS leak protection, and a kill switch.
Steps to Access the Dark Web on Phone
Follow these steps to navigate the dark web securely:
- Download a VPN: Choose a reputable VPN service to protect your identity. Install it on your smartphone before proceeding.
- Install Tor Browser:
- For Android, download the Tor Browser from the official website or Google Play Store.
- For iPhone users, use the Onion Browser, which acts similarly to Tor.
- Connect to the VPN: Open the VPN app and connect to a server. Ensure that your location is hidden.
- Launch the Tor Browser: After the VPN is activated, open the Tor Browser. It will take a moment to connect to the Tor network.
- Access .onion Websites: Use search engines designed for the dark web or directly enter .onion links into the browser.
Safety Precautions
While browsing the dark web, keep these safety tips in mind:
- Do not share personal information: Your privacy is paramount; avoid disclosing identifying details.
- Avoid illegal activities: Engaging in illicit conduct can lead to severe consequences.
- Use additional security measures: Consider enabling security settings within the Tor Browser for better protection.
- Stay vigilant: Be cautious of suspicious links and avoid downloading unknown files.
FAQs
Can I access the dark web without a VPN?
While technically possible, it is highly discouraged. A VPN adds an essential layer of security and anonymity.
Is accessing the dark web illegal?
Accessing the dark web itself is not illegal; however, many activities conducted there may be against the law. Always ensure you remain compliant with your local laws.
- The Dark Web is beneficial to people of the world where free speech and the Internet are banned in countries such as China, Iran, and North Korea.
- By taking these measures and being cautious when browsing the dark web, you can use it safely and enjoy its benefits without putting yourself at risk of harm or legal consequences.
- It’s worth noting that using a VPN can slightly slow down your internet connection due to the encryption process.
- Essentially, any webpage that requires a login is part of the deep web.
Can I use my regular browser to access the dark web?
No, you cannot access dark web sites using a standard browser. You must use the Tor Browser or a similar application designed for this purpose.
Accessing the dark web on your phone can open doors to valuable information, but it is crucial to stay safe and informed. By following the steps and precautions outlined above, you can navigate this hidden part of the internet more securely.
