Previous research, in 2013, found that 17.6% of onion services shared CSAM, which corresponds with our findings1. Articles in top computer science and security venues even conduct research on Tor usage; one even poses the research question, ‘Why do people use Tor? ’, and despite the fact that one of their interview responses raises the issue, the authors make no mention of child abuse10. Similarly, even when the subject of one article is sexual abuse and it references Tor Browser usage, child abuse is not mentioned11.
One of the biggest problems cybersecurity teams face isn’t a lack of tools — it’s too many alerts. It offers outstanding privacy features and there is currently a discounted rate available through this link. Simply accessing the dark web and using the Tor browser may already raise government suspicion. The advantage of using a dedicated computer just to browse the dark web is that your main computer isn’t exposed to any of the threats or risks tied to entering the dark web.
This article aims to delve into the world of the dark web, specifically focusing on CP distribution. It will analyze the legality and ethical concerns, as well as the dangers and consequences of engaging with such explicit content. Additionally, we will explore the measures being taken to combat CP on the dark web and contribute to a safer online environment.

Dark Web Sites Providing Software And Tools
ZeroBin is a paste tool that allows you to publish and share encrypted text anonymously. The tool is designed so that even the server cannot read the content you paste. It’s ideal for posting sensitive instructions, onion links, or short encrypted messages. Since it runs entirely in the browser with JavaScript, no plaintext is ever sent to the server. Many communities and individuals rely on it for safe, temporary sharing.

Navigating Safely: The Role Of Forest VPN
- This information can be used for intelligence gathering for your incident investigations and for the purpose of securing your organization.
- By using Tor, and especially in combination with a VPN, your internet signal is encrypted, making it invisible to your ISP.
- And if you liked this article, follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube for more cybersecurity news and topics.
- Careful though, because many ‘users’ reported malicious links and redirects while perusing Sci-Hub.
Because it’s such a well-known brand, countless clones and fake versions have appeared across both the surface web and the Tor network. These copies often contain outdated links, dangerous redirects, or even malware-laced pages. Some are created purely to trick users into clicking harmful or phishing links under the illusion of legitimacy. While many newcomers assume it’s all about illegal marketplaces, the reality is far more complex. Below are the main categories of dark web sites in 2025, along with examples of what users typically find in each.
Encrypted Communication Tools
Yes, you can access the dark web on a smartphone, but you’ll need an appropriate browser, like Tor browser for Android or Onion browser for iPhone. Remember that phones can get viruses just as easily as computers, and the chances of getting a virus likely increase when you’re browsing dark web mobile sites, no matter your platform. SecureDrop is one of the most reliable file-sharing sites on the deep web. SecureDrop helps whistleblowers anonymously send sensitive material to media outlets via a unique SecureDrop URL.
The distribution of child pornography (CP) on the dark web is a grave issue that demands urgent attention. It is essential to understand the nature of the dark web and the distribution methods of CP to effectively combat this illegal and harmful activity. One common method of distributing CP on the dark web is through underground marketplaces specifically designed for illegal transactions. These marketplaces operate similarly to e-commerce platforms, allowing individuals to buy, sell, and trade illegal content, including CP.
These search engines work best if you already know what site you’re looking for, not for general browsing. Established in 2012, the platform is a time capsule that collects snapshots of websites. These onion addresses will remain online even if the original page disappears. It also keeps the graphical copy and text of the page for better accuracy.
News BBC World Service

What makes Dread trusted is its long-standing PGP-verifiable admin presence and active moderation against scams and phishing. It’s also hosted through resilient infrastructure to fight against DDoS attacks and frequent takedown attempts, helping it remain a reliable platform for uncensored discussion. You can download the Tor browser safely from the official Tor Project site. From journalists to privacy enthusiasts, who uses the dark web the most might surprise you.

Popular Dark Web Links & Websites
Another essential security feature is that all incoming and outgoing data from the app is encrypted, including any private and public keys involved. As listed above in our article, even respected organizations like the BBC and ProPublica have a version of their site on the dark web. These sites are a hybrid tutorial-underground where wannabe hackers ask questions and professionals sell their services or stolen data. Some markets are relatively short-lived (thanks to law enforcement), but others are notorious enough that they survive, for instance, Silk Road, AlphaBay, and Hansa. You only need to upload your PGP key or let the platform create one. Use it to link your GitHub account, Twitter, Bitcoin address, and Facebook.
Email Providers

It has been estimated that a large percentage of dark web traffic is related to illegal pornography that includes underage victims. There are a number of services and tools available on the dark web, many of which can be used for nefarious purposes. But human trafficking, illegal pornography featuring underaged victims, money laundering, and assassinations are also examples of the darkest corners on the dark web.

Hidden Service Lists And Search Engines
The system was also able to visit the sites to download HTML content so they could be categorised and to track how many visits each one received. When a website has multiple alternate onion domains, we eliminate duplicates. We execute the search against the content of these distinct websites. As expected, the algorithm returns a smaller subset – 2142 domains that present unique websites. We demonstrate that not only are CSAM websites widely hosted through the Tor network, but that they are also actively sought. However, in contrast, instead of watching CSAM, individuals voluntarily participate in the search engine-prompted survey.
What Precautions Should I Take While Browsing The Dark Web?
This .onion link makes it impossible for hackers to impersonate your profile. Formerly known as Archive.is, it is one of the best onion sites on the dark web. It aims to preserve the internet’s scientific and cultural heritage. Even without monitoring your browsing activities, DuckDuckGo will offer decent answers to your questions. Tor has an in-build slider which lets you adjust the level of security.
BBC News /serbian/lat Na Srpskom
Explicit material featuring minors can circulate and remain accessible for years, continually resurfacing and causing ongoing harm to the victims. This perpetual exposure amplifies the trauma and psychological distress experienced by the victims, hindering their healing and recovery. From a legal standpoint, the distribution and possession of CP are serious criminal offenses that carry severe penalties.
It was created in 1999 as a secure communication platform for people and groups working on liberatory social change. The platform is protected from government interference and malicious attacks to protect the user. We continuously monitor and update our directories to minimize risks and ensure users have access to trusted, legitimate sites.