PRIVACY ALERT: Websites You Visit Can Find Out Who You Are
Understanding Onion Links on Reddit
The dark web has plenty of mysteries, and one of the most talked-about topics is onion links and their presence on platforms like Reddit. This article explores what onion links are, how they operate, and their intersection with Reddit communities.
Because they have strong encryption, onion sites are safe in terms of privacy protection. Founded by security researcher Juha Nurmi, Ahmia is essentially a list of “hidden” sites that do want to be found. Onion sites are “crawled” and added to the list provided their “robots.txt” file permits it, and if it is not on their blacklist of sites with abuse material. Site operators can also submit their own .onion sites for indexing. Contrary to popular belief, not every single dark web site is infested with users who sell drugs and weapons. There are many websites on the dark web, from secure email services to news outlets, online libraries, and everything in between.
What Are Onion Links?
Onion links, identifiable by their .onion domain, are only accessible through the Tor network. They provide a layer of anonymity for both users and websites, making them a popular choice for various purposes, including:
With this in mind, it is essential that you are careful about what you choose to visit and where you choose to click. As always, we strongly recommend using a reliable antivirus and a robust VPN to increase your security. The Tor network is designed to provide you with privacy and anonymity.
- Wasabi Wallet is a privacy focused bitcoin wallet, utilizing coinjoins to allow users to obfuscate where coins came from in a transaction.
- You can’t access these .onion sites from your normal web browser—the one you’re probably viewing this page on.
- It described this process as “more content-forward displays of Reddit information” that aim to benefit both Google’s tools and to make it easier for people to participate on Reddit.
- 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.
- It is a private search engine that lets you search the regular internet via Tor.
- Privacy Protection: Users can browse without revealing their identity.
- Accessing Restricted Content: Individuals can bypass censorship imposed by various governments.
- Illegal Activities: Sadly, some use onion links for illicit goods and services.
The encryption technology routes users’ data through a large number of intermediate servers, which protects the users’ identity and guarantees anonymity. The internet’s favorite alternative to Google made a name for itself by not logging your search activity yet still providing decent results. This focus on privacy makes it the Tor Browser’s default search engine and one of the best onion search engines. Torch is one of the oldest and most popular onion search engines on the dark web, serving over 80,000 requests per day.
However, due to copyright infringement, Sci-Hub is considered illegal and banned in many countries. Keybase is an exciting identity service that aims to make it easy for you to link the presence of your online identities together in a cryptographic way. You can upload your PGP key or have the site create one for you, and use it to cryptographically link your Twitter profile, Github account, or Bitcoin address together. Based in Switzerland, ProtonMail is an encrypted email service that is very popular with cryptocurrency enthusiasts.
The apparently Australian NSWGreat went so far as to host an “ask me anything” session on Reddit as an internet drug trafficker and public relations staffer for Evolution’s black market. “Given the date and the affected accounts, it doesn’t take Holmes to deduce the reason for this subpoena,” writes Gwern in a statement he sent to WIRED. “Just one naked connection revealing [NSWGreat’s] home IP would be enough, and if he’s like past market employees, a raid will turn up all the damning evidence one could hope for.” Download Avast SecureLine VPN to encrypt your internet connection and protect your privacy wherever you go online. Install Avast SecureLine VPN to encrypt your internet connection and protect your privacy wherever you go online.
The website’s volunteer moderators protested the move at the time, saying the decision would target smaller developers whose tools they use to monitor Reddit communities. The dark web and its browsing aren’t considered illegal; it’s a place where people communicate anonymously without official government surveillance. Sci-Hub is mostly useful for academics who know the PMID, DOI, or URLs of papers they want to access. At the same time, websites like the Imperial Library of Trantor store stuff that’s interesting to the broader public. Their 2016 reporting on sexual abuse won the Pulitzer Prize that year. ProPublica is accessible on the “clearnet” — the regular internet you’re using right now.
The website was linked to the cryptocurrency mixer Helix, and because of that its creator was charged with money laundering conspiracy by a US court in the last month. In addition, Ahmia and Haystack make every effort to filter out and blacklist sites known to contain harmful, abusive, or illegal content. This makes them a safer (though still not foolproof) option for searching the Dark Web.
Reddit’s Role in Onion Links
Reddit serves as a platform where users share information about onion links. Several niches exist, and communities are formed around the discussion of these links, including:
- /r/onions: A dedicated sub that focuses on sharing onion links and discussing them.
- /r/Tor: This subreddit provides insights, tips, and discussions related to the Tor network.
- /r/darknet: Users share resources, news, and links that pertain to the dark web.
How to Navigate Onion Links on Reddit
Navigating onion links found on Reddit requires caution. Here’s how to do it safely:
- Use a VPN: Ensure your internet connection is protected before accessing the Tor network.
- Install Tor Browser: This is essential for navigating .onion websites securely.
- Verify Links: Always verify the authenticity of the onion links shared; not all links lead to safe sites.
- Maintain Privacy: Avoid sharing any personal information while discussing or using onion links.
Common FAQs about Onion Links and Reddit
Q1: Are all onion links illegal?
A: No, while some are associated with illegal activities, many onion sites offer legitimate services, like privacy-focused forums or whistleblower platforms.
Q2: Can I trust onion links shared on Reddit?
A: Trustworthiness varies. Always do your research, read reviews, and proceed with caution when accessing shared links.
Q3: What should I avoid when navigating onion sites?
A: Avoid sharing personal information, downloading unknown files, and providing any form of payment unless absolutely certain of the site’s legitimacy.
Conclusion
Onion links on Reddit represent a unique intersection of community knowledge and the exploration of the dark web. While they can offer valuable resources, users must navigate this space with caution and awareness.
