when browsing the dark web, it's not inherently dangerous to use or browse, but there are some risks to be aware of and some techniques to be safer when it comes to browsing on the dark web.
now, it's important to note that you're not just going to get hacked randomly if you click on the wrong link on the dark web.
that's not really the risks we're talking about here.
what we're talking about are usually two major risks.
number one is seeing illegal or illicit material specifically related to csam.
if you're not aware, csam is what the department of justice in the us classifies as child sexual abuse material.
it's not a fun thing to talk about.
it's disgusting, but it does exist on the dark web.
people hide behind the anonymity that exists on the dark web and randomly clicking links will likely lead you to somewhere that shows this material.
it is illegal in every country to view or access this material in any way.
so you'll be putting yourself at risk if you're not very careful about your browsing.
so always be sure you're checking the links, you're carefully navigating, and you're validating the sites you're going to.
this is why i highly recommend search engines that actually actively filter these results.
and amiya is a great one that does this.
amiya is one that's a safer search engine for the dark web, where you're not going to find this more commonly.
other search engines do not do this and more likely even promote this content.
so you want to avoid those search engines if possible.
the 2nd risk is generally around legality when using certain sites on the dark web.
now, there are a lot of sites that contain forums for hacktivists or sell guns or things like that.
and these types of sites are going to be monitored very closely by government and state agencies and clicking on them might put you on a list somewhere and you do not want that.
so again, using something like amiya and carefully searching and browsing is the best way to do it.
this is why i support onion link hub.
again, this is why we created it because you know exactly the direct website you're going to, you're not freely browsing on the web and we can even see screenshots of the site before you click on the link on onion link hub.
so you can know that you're going to a site that you can trust.
but generally just remember to click carefully.
be sure you know what you're clicking on before you click it.
as a good rule of thumb, never download anything from any of the sites you access on tour or on the dark web.
if you have any questions, of course, let me know.
otherwise, we'll see you in the next one.