It is well known that many companies track our online activity in order to collect information that will help them present ads and offers that suit everyone's preferences. However, most people do not agree with this. Unfortunately, most browsers use cookies and track users' browsing history. This is how companies collect information about users. Google and Facebook have been accused of using such practices.
Browsers that offer complete anonymity and privacy are Dark web browsers. Many people would prefer to use such a browser to be sure that no one else knows about their online activity.
The majority of people have in mind the Dark web, as the «space» of the internet where illegal transactions take place, stolen data, weapons, drugs and other things are sold. To some extent this is true. And it is due to the fact that it offers this anonymity and privacy. However, accessing the Dark web via Dark browsers, such as Tor, is not illegal.
Anyone can access the dark web through Dark Browsers. This online space is not only used by thieves, hackers and scammers but also by doctors, scientists and professors, so they can share their ideas and other information without restrictions.
Let's not forget that the right to full freedom of speech does not exist in all countries. Thus people use the dark web to express their ideas anonymously and freely.
Positive elements of the Dark Web: anonymity, privacy, freedom of speech, knowledge
Negative aspects of the Dark web: illegal transactions, hacking activities
Here are the top 5 Dark Web Browsers that are currently available and promise to keep your online activity away from prying eyes.
Tor Browser:
It was the first browser to be released that offered complete anonymity and security. No one had managed to access the data of users using Tor until 2014. The FBI managed to hack it, but Tor fixed the issues that made it vulnerable and came back stronger.
Essentially, Tor redirects users through multiple nodes, which limits the possibility of third-party monitoring. However, it does not mask the IP address. This could be done by using a VPN. In this case, we would be talking about complete anonymity.
Tor is used on Mac OS, Windows, and Linux.
I2P - Invisible Internet Project
The I2P browser is quite different from Tor. It offers anonymity thanks to multiple levels of data streaming.
Communications are protected by end-to-end encryption (four layers of encryption).
I2P is based on the tunneling system, according to which the sender creates a tunnel for outgoing data and the receiver creates a tunnel for incoming data. Data is transferred from one to the other through these tunnels, and thus remains protected.
The I2P is one of the browsers that offers high security without installing a VPN.
Subgraph OS
Subgraph is an open source Dark Browser that is based on Tor. Essentially it is an operating system. Subgraph OS uses kernel hardening, Metaproxy, sandboxing, package security, application network policies and encryption of the file system. All of these enhance security on the network.
The integration of sandboxing is very important, as it keeps online activity isolated and if any malicious software is detected, the user will not be at risk.
Also, Subgraph provides an instant messaging service called CoyIM and an email client called Icedove to offer as much security as possible during communication.
TAILS
TAILS is a live operating system that aims for complete anonymity and privacy of users. It can be used on any computer with a USB stick or a DVD.
It uses the Tor network and encrypts messages, files and emails, thus offering complete security and anonymity during user communication.
As long as TAILS is enabled, your regular operating system is disabled.
It is a simple and secure dark web browser that will leave you satisfied.
Whonix
Whonix is also an operating system that is based on Tor.
Whonix is extremely powerful and, together with its Tor connections, provides full protection to users. No software, no matter how advanced, can give a third party the ability to locate the users' IP address.
Additionally, Whonix gives users the ability to install and use their server without being noticed by others.
Finally, Whonix features ‘Data Stream Isolation’, as it does not use the same TOR exit nodes.
Whonix is perhaps one of the best Dark web browsers. However, as we have seen, most rely to some extent on the Tor browser, making it dominant in the Dark web browsers space.
