Understanding the Onion Network

Everything you need to know about Tor, .onion sites, and how to browse the internet privately and safely.

Privacy Anonymity Freedom Open Source

What is Tor?

Tor (The Onion Router) is free, open-source software that enables anonymous communication over the internet.

It works by routing your traffic through a series of volunteer-operated relays around the world, encrypting it at each step — like layers of an onion.

Originally developed by the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Tor is now maintained by the non-profit Tor Project and used by millions of people worldwide — journalists, activists, researchers, and everyday users who value their privacy.

Privacy

Your IP address is hidden from websites you visit. No one can easily trace your browsing activity back to you.

Censorship Resistance

Access information freely, even in countries with heavy internet censorship and surveillance.

Anonymity

Communicate and publish without revealing your identity. Essential for journalists, whistleblowers, and activists.

2M+ Daily users
6,000+ Relays worldwide
2002 First released
100% Free & open source

What are .onion Sites?

.onion sites are websites hosted entirely within the Tor network, accessible only through Tor Browser.

Unlike regular websites, they cannot be accessed through normal browsers. The long, complex addresses (like notevilugs2d6...onion) are generated cryptographically, ensuring that both the server and the visitor remain anonymous.

Many legitimate organizations run .onion versions of their sites:

News
BBC, ProPublica, The New York Times
Email
ProtonMail
Social
Facebook
Search
DuckDuckGo, not Evil

Getting Started with Tor

1

Download Tor Browser

Visit torproject.org and download the official Tor Browser for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android).

2

Install and Launch

Installation is straightforward. Launch the browser and click "Connect".

3

Start Browsing

You can now visit both regular websites (anonymously) and .onion sites.

4

Find .onion Sites

Use notevil.link or browse the onion directory to discover sites.

Important: Only download Tor Browser from the official website (torproject.org). Unofficial versions may contain malware or compromise your privacy.

Staying Safe on Tor

DON'T

Reveal personal info

Never enter your real name, email, or other identifying information on .onion sites.

DO

Keep Tor updated

Updates patch security vulnerabilities. Always use the latest version of Tor Browser.

DON'T

Enable JavaScript

The default security level disables JS on .onion sites. Keep it that way for maximum safety.

DON'T

Download files

Files opened outside Tor Browser can reveal your real IP address. Be very cautious.

DO

Use HTTPS

Even on Tor, HTTPS adds an extra layer of encryption between you and the exit node.

DO

Trust verified sources

Use curated directories like notevil.wiki instead of random link lists.

How Tor Works

When you connect through Tor, your traffic is encrypted and routed through three relays.
You
Your device
Encrypted
Guard Node
Knows your IP, not destination
Encrypted
Middle Relay
Knows neither
Encrypted
.onion Site
End-to-end encrypted
No exit node needed. For .onion sites, the connection stays entirely within the Tor network — providing end-to-end encryption between you and the server. No one sees the full picture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tor legal?
Yes, in most countries using Tor is perfectly legal. It's a privacy tool, just like a VPN. However, illegal activities remain illegal regardless of the tools used.
Is Tor slow?
Tor is slower than regular browsing because traffic passes through multiple relays. However, speeds have improved significantly in recent years and are perfectly usable for most tasks.
Can I be tracked on Tor?
Tor provides strong anonymity but is not 100% bulletproof. Avoid logging into personal accounts, enabling JavaScript, or installing browser extensions to maximize your protection.
What's the difference between Tor and a VPN?
A VPN trusts a single provider with all your traffic. Tor distributes trust across multiple independent relays — no single entity sees the full picture. For maximum privacy, some users combine both.
Can my ISP see I'm using Tor?
Your ISP can see you're connecting to the Tor network, but not what you're doing on it. To hide even this, use Tor bridges or connect through a VPN first.
Are all .onion sites illegal?
No. Many .onion sites are run by legitimate organizations like the BBC, Facebook, ProtonMail, and DuckDuckGo. The .onion domain simply provides an extra layer of privacy and security.

Ready to explore?

Search thousands of .onion sites safely and privately.

Start Searching Browse Directory
Direct Tor access: http://notevilugs2d6juvkm4nkfd635tynfmh2vshxzbpr5y4emczdufcubqd.onion
not Evil Info

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