Dark web basics

The term dark web refers to encrypted online content that is not indexed by conventional search engines. Accessing the dark web can only be done using specific browsers, such as TOR Browser. There is a great deal of privacy and anonymity that comes with using the dark web compared to traditional websites.

1. How do I start the dark web?
2. Is it legal to surf the dark web?
3. What are the rules of the dark web?
4. Can the dark web hurt you?
5. Can police track you on the dark web?
6. Is it legal to use Tor?
7. Who created Tor?
8. What can you buy on the dark web?
9. Am I on the dark web?
10. How many levels are in the dark web?
11. How do I get Tor browser?
12. Can a child access the dark web?
13. Can you get your name off the dark web?
14. What can you buy on the dark web?
15. Do I need a VPN for Tor?
16. Can you be tracked on Tor?
17. Is Tor just a VPN?

How do I start the dark web?

The dark web is known to have begun in 2000 with the release of Freenet, the thesis project of University of Edinburgh student Ian Clarke, who set out to create a "Distributed Decentralised Information Storage and Retrieval System." Clarke aimed to create a new way to anonymously communicate and share files online.

Is it legal to surf the dark web?

Simply put, no it is not illegal to access the dark web. In fact, some uses are perfectly legal and support the value of the “dark web.” On the dark web, users can seek out three clear benefits from its use: User anonymity.

What are the rules of the dark web?

Is it legal? Using Tor or visiting the Dark Web are not unlawful in themselves. It is of course illegal to carry out illegal acts anonymously, such as accessing child abuse images, promoting terrorism, or selling illegal items such as weapons.

Can the dark web hurt you?

How dangerous is the dark web? The danger of the dark web comes when you aren't careful with what you access. You may easily fall victim to hackers and give away personal information without intention. Or, you could stumble on illegal activity without even realizing it.

Can police track you on the dark web?

Typical web browsers reveal their unique IP (Internet Protocol) address, making them traceable by law enforcement. But a dark web browser issues a false IP address, using a series of relays, to mask the user's identity. A significant portion of dark web activity is lawful.

Is it legal to use Tor?

Tor is legal in the US. You won't likely get in trouble just because you use the Tor browser. However, Tor is not a lawless domain, so you can't use this browser for illegal activities.

Who created Tor?

The original software, The Onion Router (TOR), was developed by US Naval Research Laboratory employees Paul Syverson, Michael Reed and David Goldschlag in the mid 1990s to protect the identity of US Navy intelligence agents.

What can you buy on the dark web?

You can buy credit card numbers, all manner of drugs, guns, counterfeit money, stolen subscription credentials, hacked Netflix accounts and software that helps you break into other people's computers.

Am I on the dark web?

How Do You Know if Your Information Is on the Dark Web? If your data is available on the dark web, one of the easiest ways to find out is to check the “Have I Been Pwned” (HIBP) website. It's a free service, and all you have to do is conduct a search using your email address or phone number.

How many levels are in the dark web?

These five are: “Clearnet,” “Surface Web,” “Bergie Web,” “Deep Web,” “Darknet,” “Private Web” and “Marianas Web.” Each level serves a very specific purpose, but more importantly once you want to access the “Deep Web” onwards, you need to use a Proxy service, “Darknet” requires TOR like services, “Private Web” you need ...

How do I get Tor browser?

You can download desktop versions from the Tor Project website. If you're on Android, find OrBot or OrFox on the Google Play Store or F-Droid. iOS users can grab OnionBrowser from the Apple App Store.

Can a child access the dark web?

Illegal activity: Young people may access the dark web for illegal purposes. Child Criminal Exploitation includes grooming and coercing children to use the dark web to buy or sell drugs, weapons and stolen items.

Can you get your name off the dark web?

Even though there's no way of removing your personal information from the dark web, once you know what information is exposed, you can take action to help protect yourself against identity theft.

What can you buy on the dark web?

It's possible to buy and sell illegal drugs, malware, and prohibited content in darknet marketplaces. Some dark web commerce sites have dangerous chemicals and weapons for sale.

Do I need a VPN for Tor?

A VPN isn't a requirement to use Tor, but it helps a lot. It encrypts your whole traffic, masking it from the ISP. In short, it's much safer to use Tor with a VPN. Not all VPNs offer Tor features in their product.

Can you be tracked on Tor?

Although your internet traffic is encrypted on Tor, your ISP can still see that you're connected to Tor. Plus, Tor cannot protect against tracking at the entry and exit nodes of its network. Anyone who owns and operates the entry node will see your real IP address.

Is Tor just a VPN?

Is Tor a VPN? No, it isn't. Tor is a browser and only encrypts the data transmitting through the browser. A VPN is specific privacy protection software and encrypts all data coming out of a device, whether it comes from a browser or an app.