Is It Legal To Access The Dark Web?
Understanding the Dark Web
The dark web is a part of the internet not indexed by traditional search engines. Accessing it requires specific software that allows users to remain anonymous. While it has a notorious reputation, it also serves legitimate purposes, such as protecting privacy and communication for activists, journalists, and those living under oppressive regimes.
Without going into the technical stuff, you’ll open your browser and connect to a Tor entry node that will connect you into the Tor Network. There are several other amazing features this browser has to offer, but all can be found in detail on the Whonix website. In short, if you’re looking for a powerful Dark Web experience with all the extras, Whonix could be for you. Of course, this will all revert to normal once the Tails system has been closed. Don’t worry, only RAM is used to run this OS, and your hard drive and disk space will remain untouched. While Tor may be the most popular hidden web browser, the Tails system is, in fact, one of the best.
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. Remember to connect to a VPN server before launching the Tor browser for maximum security. However, you won’t be able to use I2P to access as many sites as Tor. There is no reliable method of removing your sensitive data from the Dark Web. That’s why the defense is the best offense, so it’s worthwhile to be leveraging a service that monitors your personal data for you.
How to Get on the Dark Web on Your Phone
You can pay your bills, schedule your next family vacation, and order groceries with the click of a button. While the internet offers many positive benefits, it also has some negatives. Although not entirely used for illicit purposes, the dark web is one part of the internet that can be used by criminals for illegal purposes, like selling stolen personal information. When starting up a Tor session, you’ll be asked to either ‘connect’ or ‘configure’.
When breaches happen, the information stolen almost always makes its way to the Dark Web. Here, hackers and cybercriminals buy, sell, and trade various forms of identification, along with bank account numbers, credit card numbers, and phone numbers. Deep Web is often known as a fountain of drugs, porn, weapons and other illegal activities. However, one cannot ignore the fact that whatever information one gets about Deep Web is all coming from the press. The press has a reputation for covering only the titillating part of a section while snubbing a large part of it.
Accessing the dark web on your smartphone involves several steps to ensure safety and anonymity. Follow this guide to navigate this hidden internet space securely.
To conclude, gaining access to the dark web on Android is relatively simple and can be done with the help of a few key tools. By following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to access the dark web with ease. However, it is important to remember that the dark web is a dangerous place and should be used with caution. If you access the dark web without a VPN, your ISP is likely to pick up on the Tor activity, and it might mark you out for surveillance. Tor activity picked up by an ISP has been used in the past by law enforcement as incriminating behavior. It’s possible to browse the dark web without ever stumbling upon disturbing content like this.
Step 1: Download a Secure Browser
Now a spider only last as long as it keeps crawling from one website to website finding links between the sites. If it doesn’t see any links between web pages, then it will self-delete itself. There are some web pages which exist but are not linked with each other, making them inaccessible by Search Engines. However, the deep web doesn’t include any pages and files but consists only of databases.
To access the dark web, you need a special browser. The most popular option is Tor, which anonymizes your connection. Here’s how to download it:
Fortunately, there are Tor alternatives for iOS like the Onion Browser, which routes your traffic through the Tor network. Download the browser from the Onion Browser’s official site to avoid malware. You can choose 256-bit for maximum protection or 128-bit if you want a faster connection. There are multiple protocol options available and protection against IPv6 leaks and DNS leaks. ExpressVPN protects your internet traffic using 256-bit AES channel strong encryption together with 4096-bit DHE-RSA keys and a SHA512 hash authentication. The company has an independently audited no-logs policy and its comprehensive server network is RAM-only.
- For Android: Visit the Google Play Store and search for “Tor Browser.” Download and install it.
- For iPhone: You won’t find Tor directly on the App Store. Instead, consider using Onion Browser, which allows access to onion sites.
Step 2: Use a VPN for Extra Security
Before launching the Tor browser, it is advisable to use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to mask your IP address. Here’s how to set it up:
- Choose a reputable VPN provider.
- Download and install the VPN app on your phone.
- Connect to a secure server before opening the Tor browser.
Step 3: Configure Privacy Settings
- Basically, it’s a part of the internet that isn’t indexed by search engines.
- This helps obscure the origin of the data (and makes it hard for anyone to find your IP address).
- You can first make a VPN connection, then open the tor browser and directly press the “Connect” button to connect.
- But IDShield has the expertise necessary to mitigate dark web identity theft.
- Choose Tor when you need to stay anonymous or want to get to the dark web.
Once your VPN is connected, open the Tor browser and configure the settings to enhance your privacy:
- Enable the highest security settings in the browser.
- Disable JavaScript to prevent tracking and vulnerabilities.
- Clear cookies and cache regularly.
Step 4: Navigating the Dark Web
After setting everything up, you can begin exploring the dark web. Remember that not everything on the dark web is safe or legal. Here are some tips:
- Only visit well-known onion sites or forums.
- Do not share personal information.
- Be cautious of downloading files; they may contain malware.
Safety Tips While Browsing
Staying safe on the dark web is paramount. Here are crucial safety tips:
- Always keep your VPN active while using the Tor browser.
- Never use your real name or any personally identifiable information.
- Avoid accessing sensitive accounts or emails via the dark web.
FAQs
What is the dark web used for?
The dark web is often used for illegal activities but also serves as a platform for privacy-focused communication, whistleblowing, and activism.
Is it illegal to access the dark web?
No, accessing the dark web itself is not illegal. However, engaging in illegal activities found there is against the law.
Can I access the dark web without a Tor browser?
While it’s possible to access the dark web with other methods, the Tor browser is the most secure and recommended option.
Conclusion
Accessing the dark web on your phone requires caution and the right tools. By following the appropriate steps and prioritizing your security, you can explore this hidden corner of the internet safely. Always stay informed about the risks and ensure you maintain your privacy while using these networks.
