InfoStart

Put your website on the dark web!

The dark web has gotten a reputation for containing a lot of illegal content. The (mostly false) story of Ross Ulbrict was recently the feature of a Hollywood movie titled “Deep Web” that explained how he founded the Silk Road website where drugs and other illegal content was sold. What most people don’t realise is that there is a whole other world of genuine content on the dark web. Although most of this falls into the category of blogs and conspiracy theory sites, the tor network is a tool like any other and can be used for good by the right people.

I’m not going into technical details of the steps but here is the brief of how to do the same:

Hosting a dark web site usually involves running a server like Apache or Nginx with Tor. However, OnionShare offers a simpler method—it's a service designed for hosting files on the dark web but also includes a handy feature for hosting websites.

After downloading the tool, you'll encounter a simple program where you should select the "Host a website" option. The video above demonstrates each step. In the example, a basic HTML website was used, consisting of a folder named "files" and an index.html file.

Just upload your files to the program, choose the "I don't want a password" option, and it will generate a lengthy string of characters ending with ".onion." This becomes the address for your dark web website. To view it, you'll need the Tor browser, which you can download if you haven't already.

In a matter of minutes, you can host your own dark website. For long-term hosting, consider using a server, ensuring your provider supports onion sites. Encouraging more individuals to host their dark websites can potentially turn it into a genuinely informative and useful spaces.

Keep up with dark web news

If you're curious about the happenings in the dark web, check out DarkNetLive. It's a news site dedicated to covering dark web news, with a focus on stories about arrests and legal actions related to illicit activities on the dark web.

It provides a means to circumvent internet restrictions imposed by their government. Governments globally aim to regulate citizens' online access.

Read the real news

In many countries, we often assume free access to news, but in places with heavy censorship or oppressive regimes, accessing impartial (foreign) news can be a challenge. There may be concerns about the consequences of accessing critical information about the regime if the government finds out. The dark web serves as a solution to access news. Here are some noteworthy news websites accessible on the dark web:

1. BBC mirror: Global news from the BBC in the dark web
2. New York Times mirror: Dark web version of the NYT website
3. ProPublica mirror: Investigative journalism in the United States
4. Archive Today mirror: Online storage of (old) web pages
5. Secure Drop: Platform for anonymously sharing news with journalists
6. Flashlight: Exclusive worldwide news site on the dark web
7. RosPravosudie (РосПравосудие): Russian website with written court decisions

Go Social

The majority of internet users have social media accounts on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. On the dark web, several social media platforms have emerged, with BlackBook, Galaxy, and TorBook being among the favorites. Interestingly, some well-known surface web social media platforms, including Twitter and Facebook, have introduced mirror sites on the dark web, catering to users who want to evade government monitoring.

Email Securely

Despite numerous encrypted email services on the surface web, those seeking an added layer of anonymity can explore the dark web. ProtonMail, the most renowned dark web email service, is backed by the Tor network, prioritising user privacy, resisting censorship, and steering clear of user surveillance. Exclusive to the dark web, email services like Torbox and Mail2Tor are notable options, accessible only through a Tor browser.

Circumvent Governement Censorship

Online anonymity on the dark web has facilitated the proliferation of illegal content, but it has also become a valuable tool for citizens in countries with authoritarian governments. It provides a means to circumvent internet restrictions imposed by their government. Governments globally aim to regulate citizens' online access. The dark web serves as a refuge, concealing users' online activities from government surveillance. Through the dark web, users can hide details like the sites they visit and their location, offering a shield against government monitoring.

Stay anonymous collaboration with journalists across the globe

Individuals like whistleblowers may prefer reaching out to journalists under the cloak of anonymity. SecureDrop, a communication software leveraging the Tor network, enables anonymous communication between sources and journalists. It's a widely adopted tool among various news media outlets, including Forbes, Vice Media, and the New Yorker.

Contact the CIA, anonymously

In an unexpected move, the CIA established its official presence on the dark web in 2019. Despite the unconventional choice, the website caters to individuals who wish to contact the CIA while harbouring concerns about being tracked.

Secure your cryptocurrency wallets

The Dark Web offers a variety of items for purchase, including both illicit substances and legal goods like books, songs, games, and services. For any transactions, it's advisable to use cryptocurrency for added security. Enter Wasabi Wallet, and Shadow Wallet the trusted crypto wallets on the Dark Web known for their reliability. It ensures anonymity and secures transactions. Opting for cryptocurrency shields you from credit card scams and protects your bank account from potential cyberattacks. Load up your Wasabi Wallet or another secure payment tool with cryptocurrency for a safer online shopping experience.

Access the academic research

In the realm of information, accessing cutting-edge research often comes with a hefty price tag due to paywalls. However, the Dark Web provides alternatives for the curious minds unable to afford research papers, such as the controversial Sci-Hub.

Described as a shadow library, Sci-Hub hosts over 64.5 million academic papers and articles available for direct download. While termed "research pirates" by some and likened to a literary Robin Hood by others, it has faced legal challenges in the U.S. Nevertheless, individuals unable to subscribe to research journals see it as a valuable Dark Web resource.

For Dark Web users, Sci-Hub offers access to original research papers, particularly appealing to those skeptical of corporatized media. If you prefer unbiased information about scientific breakthroughs, accessing the original materials might be your preference.

Participate in forums and chat boards

The Dark Web serves as a platform for chat boards and forums, fostering communities where individuals can discuss topics anonymously, addressing subjects they might be hesitant to explore openly. Among the most popular forums is Paradise, where users engage in discussions about social issues and global problems while enjoying the cover of anonymity. This provides a space for open dialogue that might be uncomfortable in other settings.

Find your Niche

The Dark Web is a hub for various communities, blogs, and sites catering to niche and specialized content. Notably, The Chess is a well-known niche site offering users the chance to play anonymous chess games against strangers. Another standout is Beneath VT, a popular blog delving into the exploration of the steam tunnels beneath Virginia Tech. It features a comprehensive map, trip log, and a list of warnings regarding potential dangers associated with tunnel exploration.