Onion links are a unique part of the internet that exist on an overlay network called Tor. These sites offer increased privacy and security. To visit these websites, users must use a special browser that allows them to connect to Tor servers. This is why these websites are called onion sites.
Hidden Wiki
Similarly to Wikipedia, the Hidden Wiki is a directory of links to websites on the dark web. It is a MediaWiki wiki that operates as Tor hidden services. These sites are only accessible through Tor, which encrypts traffic, masks the user’s location, and blocks browser fingerprinting. A Tor connection works by bouncing the traffic through three volunteer computers around the world before reaching the website you’re trying to visit. This is what gives the onion its name, and it’s how censorship-resistant sites can stay up without being blocked by governments.
Like the surface web, not all onion links are legal or safe. Some may contain illegal drugs or weapons, while others can be scams to steal your information or money. To stay safe, use a VPN that offers a Tor proxy, such as Privado VPN, and follow common sense. This can protect your privacy from prying eyes while allowing you to access the dark web links with ease.
DuckDuckGo
The company behind the popular search engine has an array of privacy-oriented tools including browsers, extensions, and a mobile app. The apps and browser scan every site you visit and assign a privacy grade based on the number of trackers it detects. It also features a burn bar that clears your browsing history with a single tap. DuckDuckGo does not share your personal information with online content providers, and it prevents them from profiling you by delivering content via an end-to-end encrypted connection. However, the search engine cannot fully encrypt your internet activity, since it needs to communicate with your internet service provider to send and receive queries.
Nevertheless, the company is working on privacy-oriented browsers for macOS and Windows that will enable users to search and browse using Tor. Such a browser would provide the best possible protection for users who want to encrypt their entire web experience, not just searches. It is important to note that many people change their behavior when they know they are being tracked. For example, an MIT study found that people conducted fewer health searches on Google after the Snowden revelations.
TorLinks
Many popular websites have mirrored versions on the dark web, providing users with access to them even when their regular internet connections are blocked. For example, the BBC has a Tor news portal that provides international news coverage for people living in countries with strict censorship laws. The New York Times also has an onion version, which allows readers in repressive regimes to read its journalism without exposing their identities.
There are several onion search engines, but one of the most popular is Torch. It has a loyal following and serves over 80,000 search requests per day. It is funded through Bitcoin and display advertising, which explains why its front page is covered with old-school banner ads that look like a blast from the past. Another option is DuckDuckGo, which focuses on privacy and doesn’t log your search history. Its dark web version searches.onion sites and doesn’t show normal results, so it can be used to explore the dark web from the comfort of your regular browser.
Daniel
The Torch search engine (onion link here) is one of the oldest and largest dark web search engines. It features a categorized directory and a fast loading speed. It also includes a status check that allows users to know whether or not a site is online. However, like all dark web search engines, it does not filter results, so there is a risk of coming across malicious websites or harmful materials.
Ahmia (onion link here) is another great option. It has a policy against sites that contain abusive content, making it a safer choice than many of its competitors. Although the dark web sounds mysterious and intimidating, it can be very useful for users who are passionate about privacy. It can host secure services for cryptocurrency wallets, host anonymous email clients, and even allow people to bypass government surveillance or censorship. Just be sure to use a strong antivirus solution, such as Norton 360, before browsing the dark web.
Conclusion
Onion links are websites on the dark web that can’t be accessed via regular search engines. They use Tor to encrypt data and make connections anonymous. They prioritize privacy and anonymity. And while they’re often linked to illegal activity, they can also provide services like cryptocurrency wallets and bypass censorship.