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Exploring the Dark Web: A Guide for Reddit Users
“And the opportunity cost of not having those users on our platform, on our advertising platform, is really significant,” he said. “At the end of the day, it’s simply expensive to run an app like Reddit.” In April, Reddit announced new fees for allowing third parties to access the site’s data. But this month, the company detailed what the cost would be, causing outcry among some of the third-party apps. Reddit CEO Steve Huffman says a mass protest on Reddit did not change the company’s plans to start charging for data, despite how it upended the popular site and turned thousands of discussion groups dark.
As such, you should exercise caution when accessing any unofficial dark websites. The dark web provides a space for people to access and share all sorts of illegal and explicit material without judgment or censorship. Yes, you definitely need a VPN if you want to access the dark web on your phone.
Again, we can’t emphasize enough that security and anonymity are paramount to those on dark websites. Your ISP and the government might not be able to view your activity when on the Tor Network, but they do know you are on the Tor Network, and that alone is enough to raise eyebrows. In fact, a recent judgment by the US Supreme Court denoted that simply using Tor was sufficient probable cause for law enforcement to search and seize any computer around the world. The dark web is a section of the deep web that contains websites that aren’t indexed by search engines like Google or Bing. These sites can’t be accessed through standard browsers like Chrome or Microsoft Edge. Proton themselves state that using Tor to access the dark web version of Proton Mail offers security advantages.
It is also used by whistle-blowers, journalists, and other individuals who are not involved in illegal activity but need to protect their communications and identities. Through the dark web, users in places of high censorship can also access information and news. To make its journalism more accessible to readers around the world, the New York Times launched its onion service in 2017. You won’t find any “hidden” stories here—it’s the same content as the normal web edition—but users in countries with government censorship will appreciate having a secure way to access it. You can’t access these .onion sites from your normal web browser—the one you’re probably viewing this page on.
The dark web has been a topic of intrigue and concern for many internet users, especially within the community of Reddit. This hidden part of the internet, which is not indexed by standard search engines, houses a variety of websites and forums that can be accessed through specific software. Understanding its nuances and functionality can help users navigate it more safely.
I’ve been reading lately on how much about ourselves isn’t actually private. Plus, in our day in age, getting to know computers a bit more ain’t a bad idea in my opinion. I no longer believe that people are paranoid because of having concerns like these. Information being sold is a real problem and it is now becoming a fear of mine. Many sites go defunct fairly quickly, either because they are shut down for illegal activity, their founders’ close shop after getting bored, or they move to a new address and name to help avoid detection. The dark web may be safe in some cases—think legitimate content—and not in others.
And with many unfamiliar looking sites on the dark web, it’s harder to distinguish safe websites from shady ones, and easier to fall victim. Dark websites can be visited only with a suitable dark web browser, and most dark web URLs are strings of seemingly random letters and numbers — nothing like the easy-to-remember web addresses on the surface web. A 2019 study found that there were about 55,000 different onion sites, while only about 8,400 of them were active. Onion sites are only accessible via the Tor Browser or similar services. They are not accessible through your mainstream browsers like Chrome, Firefox, or Safari.
What Is the Dark Web?
Remember that phones can get viruses just as easily as computers, and the chances of getting a virus likely increase when you’re browsing dark web mobile sites, no matter your platform. The deep web is about 90% of the internet, while the dark web makes up about 5%. A large portion of deepweb links are sites hidden behind security firewalls or authentication forms, such as banking sites or any of the billions of web pages that are password protected. No country has jurisdiction over the internet, so simply having a website on the internet, whether it’s on the surface or dark web, is not illegal. While many deep web sites are undoubtedly used to facilitate criminal activity and other scams you should avoid, there are also plenty of legitimate dark web sites.
Visiting the dark web without any protection can expose your IP address and location, putting you at risk of identity theft and malware infection. Remember to turn on your VPN and antivirus before attempting to visit the dark web. An idea I had in order to put this side of the internet in a better light is by renaming it…to the “Private Web”. If we start calling this side of the internet the Private Web, we are accurately portraying the purpose this side of the internet gives its users. To each of these users, I have begun asking them to email me some basic information about their personal lives, since this is the same information they hand over to companies on the daily.
The dark web refers to parts of the internet that are only accessible through specialized software, such as Tor or I2P. Unlike the **surface web**, which includes websites like Google and Wikipedia, the dark web’s anonymity attracts a range of activities, both legal and illegal.
Why Do People Access the Dark Web?
Users typically venture onto the dark web for several reasons:
- Privacy: To maintain anonymity and secure communication.
- Access to Restricted Content: To obtain information or services that may be censored or restricted in their country.
- Exploration: Curiosity about the hidden parts of the internet and its underground culture.
The Role of Reddit in Dark Web Discussions
Reddit serves as a platform for users to discuss various topics, including the dark web. Subreddits dedicated to this subject provide forums for sharing knowledge, experiences, and warnings. Some popular subreddits include:
- r/DarkNetMarkets – Discussions about marketplaces on the dark web.
- r/Tor – Information relevant to the Tor browser and its use.
- r/Onions – A place to share .onion links and navigate content.
- The quickest way to access the dark web is to download and install Tor Browser, which will route your traffic through the Tor network and let you access the dark web.
- Since many popular websites and programs have already published their dark modes like Twitter and YouTube, it is a good option to have if you find browsing in a white mode harder especially at night.
- No one knows who anyone else is in the real world, so long as they take the necessary precautions.
- We tested dozens of dark web websites for this article and shortlisted the top 26 dark web links you should check out.
Safety Tips for Navigating the Dark Web
Safety is paramount when exploring the dark web. Here are some essential tips:
- Use a VPN: Mask your IP address to enhance privacy.
- Access via Tor: Download and use the Tor Browser for secure browsing.
- Avoid Downloads: Many files may contain malware.
- Be Wary of Links: Only use links from trusted sources to avoid phishing attempts.
- Limit Personal Information: Never share your personal details or engage in illegal activities.
Common Misconceptions About the Dark Web
There are numerous myths surrounding the dark web. Understanding what is true and what is not can help users form a well-rounded perspective:
- Myth: All dark web sites are illegal.
Fact: While many are illicit, not all activities on the dark web are illegal. - Myth: The dark web is entirely anonymous.
Fact: Users can still be tracked if they are not careful. - Myth: You need special knowledge to navigate it.
Fact: Basic knowledge of Tor and careful browsing can suffice.
FAQs about Dark Web and Reddit
What can I find on the dark web?
You can find a variety of content, including forums, marketplaces, and informational resources on various subjects, not all of which are illegal.
Is it illegal to access the dark web?
No, accessing the dark web itself is not illegal; however, engaging in illegal activities while on it is against the law.
What should I avoid on the dark web?
Avoid engaging with illegal services, downloading unknown files, and sharing personal information.
Conclusion
In summary, while the dark web remains a fascinating yet perilous part of the internet, platforms like Reddit can serve as valuable resources for information and community discussions. By adhering to safety practices and staying informed, users can explore this hidden web cautiously and responsibly.
