Many governments restrict access to information by censoring websites, monitoring online activity, and shutting down independent news outlets—sometimes overnight. Unlike the surface web, dark web websites operate through the Tor network’s onion routing, allowing them to remain anonymous and resistant to censorship.
This makes the dark web a vital resource for journalists, activists, whistleblowers, and readers seeking uncensored reporting or a secure way to share sensitive information. Recognizing this, major organizations such as The New York Times, BBC, ProPublica, and Deutsche Welle maintain official dark web versions of their platforms to ensure continued access to independent journalism.
In this guide, we highlight safe and trustworthy dark web news sources and explain how to access them securely.
Top News Websites on the Dark Web – Detailed List
If you are looking to quickly find a series of trusted sources for news, the 11 best sites available on the dark web can be viewed in the following list:
- Tor Metrics: A data platform offering real-time and historical insights into the Tor network for researchers and journalists.
- The New York Times: An uncensored mirror of the NYT offering full access to investigative and international reporting.
- ProPublica: An award-winning nonprofit newsroom focused on investigative journalism and exposing abuses of power.
- SecureDrop: An open-source platform that enables anonymous, secure submissions for whistleblowers and journalists.
- BBC World News: A mirror site providing uncensored global news to regions with restricted media access.
- Radio Free Europe: A U.S.-funded broadcaster delivering uncensored news to countries with limited press freedom.
- Archive.today: A trusted web archiving service that preserves webpages, including deleted or modified content.
- Deutsche Welle: Germany’s international broadcaster covering global news, democracy, and human rights in multiple languages.
- Flashlight: A censorship-resistant information service providing access to political and global news in restricted regions.
- The Intercept: An investigative news outlet reporting on surveillance, national security, civil liberties, and social justice.
- The Hub: A community-driven platform where users publish and discuss articles on current events and public issues.
Why the Dark Web Matters for Journalism
Governments around the world conduct censorship of news companies, impede networks during politically sensitive times, or attempt to coerce media firms to engage in self-censorship. In certain areas of the globe, merely reading or posting a particular story can pose a serious danger to an individual.
As soon as traditional means of communicating with others or accessing information become an unreliable source for individuals and journalists alike. They frequently turn to alternative ways, and the dark web becomes one of those options. In many cases, where an organization may have its regular website blocked by a government, that same organization may have a dark web version that is still publicly accessible.
The dark web not only allows individuals to gain access to necessary information but also allows for a solution to one of the biggest issues facing the field of investigative journalism—the protection of the source of the information that has been reported by the journalist.
A significant portion of investigative journalism relies on individuals who have the courage to come forward with information about wrongdoing. These individuals may be referred to as “whistleblowers,” “insiders,” or “citizen” sources. These individuals often are at great risk if the government discovers their identity and location.
However, dark web tools provide a channel for a whistleblower, insider, or citizen to contact the reporter, send any necessary documents or information, and remain anonymous while having access to the reporter’s news stories.
Using dark web infrastructure helps organizations meet the following objectives:
- Publish stories that are censored on the open web.
- Receive information and documents from sources who provide them anonymously.
- Offers protection from surveillance for reporters and their sources.
- Provides uninterrupted access during political upheaval or while internet access is blocked.
Best News Platforms on the Dark Web – Detailed List
The dark web serves not only as an alternate way to connect to people and find information in the event that regular access methods fail, but it is not a substitute for regular web usage.
There are many websites that are legitimate sources of journalism on the dark web, and many fraudulent, potentially dangerous, and misleading websites as well.
To use the dark web safely and legally, you will need to have curated lists of and guides on how to access them safely.
1. Tor Metrics
- Direct link: http://hctxrvjzfpvmzh2jllqhgvvkoepxb4kfzdjm6h7egcwlumggtktiftid.onion/
Tor metrics is a valuable data source for investigators to learn more about how well the Tor network is utilized by users.
Although it is not a typical news source, Tor metrics can provide journalists and investigative reporters with important information that allows them to effectively get their stories to their audiences through an anonymous medium.
Understanding what the ecosystem of Tor is can be helpful for all users that are interested in learning more about the dark web and how it pertains to journalistic endeavors.
2. The New York Times
- Direct link: https://www.nytimes3xbfgragh.onion/
This organization has developed its own site so that it may continue to provide journalism to those parts of the world where it may not be able to due to constraints such as illegality, censorship or political pressure from various sources.
The Onion launched its website in 2017. This site offers access to information to those who live under restricted environments or under a restrictive government, without being subject to censorship by the government and without having their identity disclosed.
3. ProPublica
- Direct link: https://www.propub3r6espa33w.onion
ProPublica is an organization not made for profit that focuses on the publication of investigative journalism. The organization uses the dark web to publish stories that may not be possible due to commercial/ political pressures. Topics covered on the Onion include: world political issues, health care systems, criminal justice systems, immigration issues, and environmental issues.
ProPublica works closely with its audience and has developed an active and secure way for individuals, including whistleblowers, to submit documents and develop ideas for stories through secure means.
4. SecureDrop
- Direct link: http://sdolvtfhatvsysc6l34d65ymdwxcujausv7k5jk4cy5ttzhjoi6fzvyd.onion/
SecureDrop is a tool that allows anonymous communication from whistleblowers to reporters, not a news organization. It’s an open-source tool that allows a user to upload confidential documents without revealing his/her identity.
SecureDrop is being used as a platform by many major media companies to conduct investigative journalism and hold public officials accountable.
5. BBC World News
- Direct link: http://bbcnewsv2vjtpsuy.onion/
This is a mirror website on the dark web for Access to BBC World News, limited regions through BBC World’s many sites around the world where BBC is blocked and/or limited.
BBC World News has the same reporting on the dark web as on the internet, including politics, world affairs, science, culture, and sports. It is a credible and impartial reporting source for all users who require unrestricted access without endangering their whereabouts and identities.
6. Radio Free Europe
- Direct link: rferl.org
The United States of America has created and operated the establishment of Radio Free Europe/ Radio Liberty (RFE/RL). RFE/RL uses freelance reporters located in the 20+ languages of its audience, allowing it to provide coverage of worldwide events without censorship.
It provides news and opinion to those countries with limited freedom of the press and is a source of reliable information for those in censored areas.
7. Archive.today
- Direct link: http://archivecaslytosk.onion/
The Archive Today is a web-based service providing an easy way to archive web pages for future reference and research purposes, and preserve archived web pages and newspaper articles.
Journalists and researchers rely on archives because they provide an accurate historical record of published content.
8. Deutsche Welle
- Direct link: dw.com
Germany’s International Publisher of News, Deutsche Welle (DW), is an international public broadcaster where its audience has free & full access to DW’s news story on its Dark Web. Deutsche Welle’s focus is on international topics such as Human Rights, Democracy, Governance, and Justice.
They have a platform that allows for publication in over 32 languages. DW also has a 24-hour-a-day English TV Channel for International Audiences.
9. Flashlight
- Direct link: flashlightnews.net
Flashlight News is an online news platform that allows those who live under severe restrictions of freedom (censorship) the ability to keep updated on political developments and current global news. It provides access to articles & reports on current world events through its dark web platform.
Flashlight’s site contains heavy Ads. According to their users, this may cause distractions and pose risks without proper protection, such as Ad-Blockers.
10. The Intercept
- Direct link: http://xpxduj55x2j27l2qytu2tcetykyfxbjbafin3x4i3ywddzphkbrd3jyd.onion/
The Intercept covers investigative journalism. The focus is on government surveillance, war, national security, technology, and social justice. Through the use of the dark web, The Intercept can provide its users and source protection while accessing sensitive journalistic reports.
On The Intercept’s platform, users can find original document sources used for research posted with in-depth articles on the topic, which give users an opportunity to validate the information themselves before making any conclusions.
11. The Hub
- Direct onion link: http://thehubmcwyzwijjoqvdtpmu36npcueypjbgnvbqz4jliwjmmnpfkzkqd.onion/
The Hub serves a diverse community of users who meet via the dark web to discuss current news and events, among many other topics. Instead of publishing the standard form of journalism, The Hub provides an avenue for discussion by users and collects ideas and articles for use by its members.
Users need to register to participate in The Hub; therefore, the quality of the content found on the site can be inconsistent.
Risks of Accessing Dark Web News Sites Safely
Unlike surface websites that may provide warnings if you attempt to click on a potentially dangerous link, accessing a news story on the Dark Web can be much more dangerous.
In order to properly protect yourself from these risks while accessing Dark Web news sites, users should familiarize themselves with the basic risks associated with accessing dark web news sites, such as:
- Fraudulent onion links designed to harvest personal information.
- Malware hidden behind downloaded files or advertisements.
- Phishing websites pretending to be legitimate news sites.
- Internet service providers and local government agencies tracking users’ online activities.
To reduce these risks, users should rely on two main tools when using the Dark Web:
- The Tor Browser
- A Virtual Private Network
Following these guidelines with VPN use and using the Tor browser will decrease your potential risk of using the dark web for the purpose of viewing the latest news that has been reported on the internet. Also, you can spend your time focusing on learning about what is actually happening as opposed to worrying about your potential exposure to harm.
Navigating the dark web safely requires caution beyond just visiting news sites. For a comprehensive list of vetted, legitimate websites and more detailed safety protocols, refer to our overarching resource on the best dark web sites.
How to Safely Access Dark Web News Sites
Using the dark web safely does not happen impulsively. It is necessary to have everything set up beforehand and to possess the needed safety tools in order to be continually aware of what you click on.
The following will demonstrate, in practical terms, how you can stay protected while visiting dark web news sites:
Use a Secure Browser
- The Tor Browser provides an easy way to access .onion domains. The Tor Browser protects users’ traffic by making it anonymous and encrypted, and routed through different servers.
- Always update to the latest Tor Browser version and apply security patches when available.
Use a Reputable VPN
- The VPN (Virtual Private Network) provides users with the ability to remain anonymous because it prevents the user from revealing their actual IP address.
- VPNs typically have high levels of technical support available to them, a significant amount of security measures, and a policy of not keeping records of any user activity on their servers (True No-Log Policy).
- Make sure to turn on your VPN before you open the Tor Network. This stops potential privacy breaches or data leaks.
Increased Device Security
- To protect yourself from the execution of potentially harmful scripts, turn off the capability to run scripts in the Tor network’s security settings.
- Use anti-virus software; update & maintain current versions of operating systems.
- Think about using a separate device or a virtual machine when you explore the Dark Web. This protects you from getting malware.
Keep Your Operations Secure (OpSec)
- Don’t share any personal details with anyone on the dark web. This includes email addresses or usernames from other social media sites.
- Be careful about downloading files from sources you don’t know. Dark websites often contain malware.
- Always register (if necessary) to create a separate and anonymous email address to protect your identity online.
Verify URLs Prior to Clicking
- Only click on verified links. On the internet, countless phishing websites mimic legitimate sites to steal users’ information.
- To reduce the risk of falling victim to phishing scams, create a bookmark of valid .onion URLs and do not do a web search to verify them.
Stay Abreast of Threats
- Monitor dark websites for news articles and monitoring platforms regarding Cybersecurity Blogs and Companies.
- Be mindful of news regarding recent Cybersecurity Breaches, Scams, or Ransomware attacks and determine if there are rising threats on any site.
FAQs
Since no regulations currently govern the dark web, many consider it a risky place to go online. There are many incidents of scams or fraudulent websites, as well as pages with malware that could capture your personal information and inflict damage. However, there are other websites that do provide reliable information through legitimate news organizations that operate on the dark web.
You do not need a VPN to access dark web news sites; however, using a VPN helps limit the amount of information that other users and your Internet Service Provider (ISP) can see about you while you visit these sites.
The dark web is not always hidden or illegal, and many parts of it operate within legal boundaries. Many reputable media outlets, such as the New York Times, BBC, ProPublica, Deutsche Welle, and investigative platforms like the Intercept, have official “onion” versions of their websites. This is to allow readers access to news without having their activities and data tracked or censored by their local governments.
In many countries, people can legally access content on dark web news websites, and they use it for various reasons.
