How to Access the Dark Web Safely and Legally

The dark web is a hidden part of the internet

It is a collection of websites that are not indexed by search engines like Google or Bing and require special software to access. This part of the internet is known for hosting both illegal marketplaces and legitimate activities that require strong anonymity.

Accessing the dark web itself is not illegal, but it is a space where users must navigate carefully due to the prevalence of illicit content and cyber threats.

Deep web versus dark web

The terms "deep web" and "dark web" are often confused. The deep web refers to all online content not indexed by standard search engines. This includes private databases, email servers, paywalled academic journals, and corporate intranets.

Some estimates suggest the deep web constitutes about 90 percent of all websites. The dark web is a small, intentionally hidden subset of the deep web, designed for anonymity and accessed with specific tools.

Tools for accessing the dark web

You cannot reach the dark web with a regular browser like Chrome or Safari. It requires specialized software designed to protect user identity and encrypt traffic.

The most common tool is the Tor Browser, which uses onion routing to anonymize connections. Other services, like specific search engines and virtual private networks (VPNs), are also part of the ecosystem.

• Tor Browser: The primary gateway, available for desktop and mobile.
• Onion Browser: A recommended open-source browser for iOS.
• Orbot VPN: A companion service from the Tor Project to further secure connections.

How the Tor Browser works

Tor, short for The Onion Router, is a free browser that encrypts traffic and routes it through a global network of volunteer-run servers. This process obscures a user's location and usage from anyone conducting network surveillance.

When you launch Tor, you can choose to Connect or Configure Connection for more control over your entry points. The browser also includes a New Identity button to wipe your session data instantly.

However, Tor is not foolproof. Traffic can potentially be monitored at entry and exit nodes, and your internet service provider can see that you are connecting to the Tor network. Using a VPN adds another layer but introduces another party that could log your activity.

Finding sites on the dark web

Dark web sites use ".onion" addresses instead of standard domains like ".com". You need a dark web search engine to find them, as Google does not index these pages.

DuckDuckGo is the default search engine in the Tor Browser, and it includes an Onionize toggle to search for .onion sites. Other dedicated dark web search engines include Ahmia, Torch, and NotEvil.

Many sites are shared through user forums and communities. Mainstream organizations like the BBC and Proton Mail also maintain .onion mirrors to provide access in censored regions.

What you can find there

The dark web hosts a wide range of content, from illegal marketplaces to privacy-focused services. It is a hub for both criminal activity and legitimate, anonymous communication.

Common items and services found include:

• Data leaks and hacking tools
• Illegal goods like drugs and counterfeit documents
• Secure email and whistleblower platforms
• Forums for political activists and journalists

Transactions often use cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Monero for their relative anonymity. Law enforcement agencies, however, have successfully tracked and shut down major dark web markets, demonstrating that anonymity is not absolute.

Risks and legal considerations

Simply accessing the dark web is not illegal in most countries. The legal risk comes from engaging in illicit activities, such as purchasing illegal goods or accessing prohibited content.

The environment is high-risk. Scams are common, and there are few consumer protections. Sites frequently appear and disappear, sometimes as a result of law enforcement operations.

For safety, experts recommend a "look, don't touch" approach for casual browsers. If your personal information appears in a data leak, some password managers and security services offer dark web monitoring alerts.