It has gotten incredibly difficult to keep updated on the latest happenings worldwide. If you access any information, there is no guarantee that it is even accurate due to internet censorship.
Internet censorship, often a product of government interference, includes blocking access to a wide range of websites, social media platforms, and other sources of unbiased information. It also involves banning journalists from sharing news with the populace.
However, there is a light at the end of the tunnel; you can access the channels to spread the news with the right tools. The dark web allows you to access banned channels as a viewer and share hidden news as a journalist without risking discovery.
The dark web hosts websites that disseminate truthful and accurate information worldwide. The dark web is notorious for its negative reputation, so of course, we are sure you read the whole article with raised eyebrows but hear us out. The dark web is extremely helpful because it is censorship-free, which means you always get unfiltered news.
It is worthwhile to note, however, that the dark web is, in fact, unsafe and packed with cybercriminals, and you should stay safe at all times. This article aims to inform you about how to access restricted news and stay safe while doing so. Keep reading.
11 best news platforms on the dark web – Quick list
- The New York Times: Get unbiased and impartial news from the dark web version of the media giant that’s been available since 2017.
- ProPublica: This award-winning website strives and succeeds in exposing entities that abuse power and aims to reveal any acts of public betrayal.
- Secure Drop: As the name suggests, this is a secure and reliable website where journalists can share sensitive information without fear of being caught.
- BBC World: Like the New York Times, this is a dark web version of BBC News and is also committed to telling real and unbiased stories related to politics, sports, society, and culture.
- Radio Free Europe: This US-based radio broadcasting organisation disseminates genuine, unbiased information and debates on current happenings.
- Archive Today: This archive helps index old news posts and recent stories.
- Deutsche Welle: This German state-owned broadcasting site offers unbiased information on sports, politics, science, and the environment business.
- Flashlight: This is a perfect option for reliable and informative information on recent happenings for people living in areas with heavy restrictions.
- The Intercept: Users can benefit from this platform, as it aims to share trending issues related to politics, war, technology, environment, national security, and justice.
- The Hub: As the name suggests, this popular dark web platform creates room for discussions on different topics.
Best news sites on the dark web in 2024 – Detailed analysis
Regardless of the dark web’s reputation regarding its secretive dealings, it still has a lot of upsides. For example, it can be a great forum for journalists and even whistleblowers to share authentic and necessary news safely and anonymously.
The dark web also allows these individuals above to get around any restrictions that affect regular internet usage. In this article, we aim to share the best dark websites you can visit for unbiased and unrestricted news.
You can find our list of best dark websites in 2024 below:
1. The New York Times
Free
High-quality reporting and fact-checking standards
Limited focus on local news
The New York Times is arguably one of the most recognizable news forums in the world, and it uses its popularity to push the news most others can’t or won’t spread. Because of the honesty of the reporting on this platform, it is not easily accessible in places where the government stifles the news.
To get around this restriction, the New York Times has a dark web version free of any restrictions you can access anywhere. The dark web version has been available since 2017, and unlike the main version, you can view everything, even the news your government is trying to hide from you.
2. ProPublica
Free
Allows for independent reporting without commercial pressures
May lack the resources for daily news coverage and breaking stories
Are you looking for a platform that employs morals with its journalism? Then ProPublica is the perfect forum for you. The award-winning website champions investigative journalism focused on uncovering any abuse of power and unfairness to the populace by the government, corporations, or any kind of industrial structure.
This platform hosts over 100 journalists, all dedicated to covering various hot topics such as education, business, politics, health care, criminal justice, immigration, and the environment.
It is mentioned here because it was among the first major news platforms to have a dark web version before it became a mainstream practice. The news on this channel is unbiased, in-depth, and thoroughly researched.
Users can even be a part of the reporting process by suggesting topics the team should cover and even sharing sensitive documents to aid proper news coverage using SecureDrop.
3. Secure Drop
Free
Contributes to investigative journalism by uncovering corruption
Faces legal challenges or government pressure
With so much uncertainty around the safety of the regular and even the dark web, you need a trustworthy platform. It is such a breath of fresh air in this regard. Safe, reliable, and uncompromising, SecureDrop allows users to share sensitive documents securely among themselves.
Since it is an open-source system, journalists and whistleblowers can submit documents from private sources without fear of being traced or caught. The platform supports over 20 languages, allowing for news from everywhere worldwide to find its way there unhindered. SecureDrop is run by the Freedom of the Press Foundation and is home to many reliable news outlets.
Several famous news organizations have a Secure Drop. Some of them are given below with direct links:
- The Washington Post: http://vbmwh445kf3fs2v4.onion
- BBC: kt2bqe753wj6dgarak2ryj4d6a5tccrivbvod5ab3uxhug5fi624vsqd.onion/
- The Guardian: xp44cagis447k3lpb4wwhcqukix6cgqokbuys24vmxmbzmaq2gjvc2yd.onion
- Financial Times: nqu6crmtnzs2hs5abo2uqni53yqsnnwqnerdxuzyz5yxairxlzjzt6yd.onion/
- New York Times: ej3kv4ebuugcmuwxctx5ic7zxh73rnxt42soi3tdneu2c2em55thufqd.onion/
4. BBC World News
Free
High production values
Limited availability in some regions
While this might surprise most, the BBC World News inclusion here is no mistake. A dark web version of the broadcasting giant exists, available for those who cannot access it due to government restrictions.
With the dark web version, you get all the same features as you would with the main platform. But if you live in a country with restrictions, you would get all the features outside the restricted area.
5. Radio Free Europe
Free
A reliable source of news in countries with restricted media environments
Limited impact in some regions due to government censorship
Radio Free Europe is, ironically, a radio broadcasting organization based in the United States. It must provide uncensored, unbiased, and real news in any country where the press is stifled and the people get tailored news.
The platform plays host to a ton of local reporters who are comprised of individuals from 23 countries, all speaking in over 20 different languages. It also helps budding journalists train in the craft and fight for freedom for the media in their respective countries.
6. Archive Today
Free
User-friendly interface and easy to navigate
Limited coverage and occasional gaps in archived content
Archive Today is reliable and is a trusted means for you to discover other platforms and blogs just like it. It is up-to-date with the latest happenings as well as past news. You can find an archive of screenshots from other blogs or websites and some from posts that have been long taken down.
This platform is heaven for journalists needing reference or research for their story and building a lengthy expose. You can also find graphical and text copies of any news published at any specific date and time. For safety, these pages are designed to have zero active elements, the same as “scripts.”
7. Deutsche Welle
Free
Offers reliable and diverse international news coverage
Funding challenges
Deutsche Welle is a German-owned news platform like the state-owned BBC World News. The broadcasting platform also has a dark web version, which offers content in over 32 languages and firmly cements itself as the leading media forum in Europe.
And for the English-speaking audience, this platform has a 24-hour English-language TV channel accessible anywhere in the world. The primary focus of the Deutsche Welle is human freedom, social justice, good governance, and democracy.
8. Flashlight
Free
A diverse range of designs and features to meet specific needs
Limited brightness compared to larger lighting solutions
With Flashlight, users can easily access the latest and unbiased news, especially in a heavily censored atmosphere. You can get worldwide news, articles, and stories about all the most recent political developments from anywhere in the world.
There are some drawbacks; however, you need to work through many ads on these dark websites. We recommend using a reliable ad blocker.
9. The Intercept
Free
Covers a wide range of issues including social justice
Limited coverage compared to larger news organizations
On the Intercept, you can expect authentic reporting and brave journalism; this is the watchword and mantra. On the Intercept, you can find blogs, podcasts, videos, news, and other media on global trending issues. You can find enough content, whether tech, security, politics, justice, or war.
You can find special investigative reports on areas affected by conflict or unfairness from government operations, including Ukraine and Congo. The Intercept also shares raw source documents along with in-depth articles.
The website welcomes any individual who wishes to raise awareness about any issues that require attention. By extension, the platform is great for whistleblowers and journalists who need safety and anonymity.
10. The Hub
Free
Customizable features
Potential for information overload if not effectively managed
The Hub is arguably the most popular news forum on the dark web; users can access multiple topics to engage in.
The users must be registered before using the services, such as participating in discussions or reading news. So, if you wish to benefit from the services of The Hub, you just have to open an account.
11. Tor Metrics
Free
Provides valuable insights into the performance
Limited user interface and accessibility
Lastly, Tor Metrics is a great resource for the latest Tor browser news and ecosystem news. It is also a perfect space for staying up-to-date with the latest world news. Tor metrics help gather all the latest news.
With all the info on Tor Metrics about the Tor browser, journalists can avail themselves of the wonderful features that aid in safe and anonymous reporting.
How to safely access dark web news sites
Due to the risks accompanying the dark web, it can be difficult to access it for information safely. The pages can often be unregulated, and others can play host to malware-infected links or even scams.
Because of this, you need to be very careful and employ a lot of precautions when you wish to access the dark web. Below are the two major methods you can safely access the dark web:
- Use a VPN
- Set up a Tor browser
Set up tor for dark web news sites
The Tor browser prioritizes privacy and anonymity; it does this with the Onion network. The onion network can route your internet traffic through a randomized series of proxy servers to ensure you remain anonymous the whole time.
The Tor browser is the perfect option for users who need to stay private while disseminating sensitive information. Your IP address is hidden so that your identity is safe. Thanks to the global community of volunteers, Tor Metric can utilize nodes for layered encryption.
Using a VPN for safety
A VPN is a great tool to access dark web activity. With the VPN, your internet traffic is encrypted and hidden from ISPs who usually monitor your activities. This is especially good if you downloaded the Tor browser; staying anonymous is paramount.
Also, the VPN keeps your IP secret from snoopers and hackers, offering two-phased protection while using the dark web. Using a VPN, you can bypass any kind of censorship, whether on the dark web or outside of it. You can also dodge any kind of data throttle put in place by your ISPs and browse at high speeds.
Other safety precautions to follow
For further precaution and complete safety while you use the dark web, here are a few extra measures you can take to be safe at all times:
- Set up your Tor browser for maximum anonymity and stay protected whenever you use the web.
- Use a premium antivirus at all times.
- Only access the dark web news sites using the dark web search engines to maintain privacy.
- Do not click any pop-up ads regardless of the perceived urgency or message on said ads. These links are notoriously phishing links.
- Open a new and separate email address in the dark web for reading dark web news.
Take these tips, along with the Tor browser and VPN, and you can always use the dark web with maximum security.
Our best VPNs
Since we stated that a VPN is a great tool for maintaining online security and privacy, especially when using the dark web, we listed our top VPNs here.
1. NordVPN
It is one of the most effective and efficient VPN services for dark web browsing. The provider prioritizes users’ security and privacy online.
Offers over 5,500 secure VPN servers in more than 60 countries
Owns reliable threat protection (malware, tracking, and ad blocker)
Industry standard, most secure encryption available: AES-256
An effective and easy-to-use kill switch feature
Split tunneling feature with high efficiency
Offers multi-hop VPN for double encryption
Provides seamless Onion over VPN functionality
Ensures that no logging is done
Users can connect up to six devices simultaneously with each account
A 30-day money-back guarantee with no questions asked
Pros
- Has a top-tier extensive server network
- Has adavance malware protection
- 30-day refund guarantee
Cons
- No free trial
NordVPN is designed specifically for the task of anonymity and security. When it comes to premium VPNs, not many can match a VPN’s level of quality or reputation.
The dark web is murky, and you can’t know for sure if you’re accessing links or pages that are safe for you. That’s where NordVPN comes in; with its industry-leading encryption, Threat Protection, and its own Dark Web Monitor, you are assured of a safe and smooth stroll through the scary alleys of the dark web.
2. ExtremeVPN
A complete VPN network with end-to-end encryption and unbreakable security features for a safe and secure dark web experience.
Offers 6,500 servers present across 78 countries worldwide
Utilizes the up-to-date security protocols, including AES-256 encryption
Enables distributed file sharing through P2P connections
Doesn’t collect users’ data
Includes a unique kill switch feature to block data leakage
Offers flexible data routing through split tunneling feature
Boasts Tor over VPN servers for stealth protection
Offers 10 simultaneous devices to be connection at one subscription
Provides protection against IP/DNS leaks
Has a refund policy of 30 days
Pros
- Allows access to geo-restricted content with the stealth browsing feature
- Multiple servers in various countries
- User-friendly app and easy to set up
Cons
- There is no dedicated IP address or double VPN
ExtremeVPN does great work with super-fast servers and many state-of-the-art features. The dark web is chock full of privacy and security risks, so staying protected and private is important. VPN, with its self-owned and self-managed servers, ensures complete privacy and protection from data thieves or snoopers.
You can count on this VPN with over 6,500+ servers in over 78+ countries to unblock and bypass restrictions. To safely and privately use the dark web, whether as a journalist, whistleblower, or just an individual needing to access restricted news, ExtremeVPN is your best bet.
Conclusion
Using the dark web is risky, especially with its anonymous nature, but it can also be quite an adventure. You can find previously undiscovered news pages, reports, and information. But you can also encounter stuff that can lead to legal or otherwise trouble.
We encourage you to use safety measures to use the dark web and all its resources safely. Some use the Tor browser, a premium antivirus, and a reliable VPN. To use the dark web responsibly, you need to use all measures and some more, which we have detailed in the article.
FAQs
We cannot say yes for sure because it can be dicey to ascertain the safety of the unregulated dark web. For starters, accessing the dark web already falls into the realm of risk, so of course, you have to consider the possibility of unsafe outcomes. You can avoid it; however, simply download a Tor browser and connect to a premium VPN before you access the dark web, and you will be fine.
We do not recommend accessing the dark web without adequate precaution, and a VPN is the best bet for complete online protection. The dark web is a dangerous place to surf unprotected, and your identity falling into the wrong hands can be very bad for you.
You can find news channels like the New York Times, BBC News, and Deutsche Welle. These are some of the best ones, but others you can access are listed in this article.
