Official onion sites - the operator opens the door

Introduction to Official Onion Sites

Official onion sites are services that can only be accessed over the Tor network, providing an additional layer of security and privacy [2]. These sites are operated by the same companies that run the clearnet versions, ensuring that users can access their favorite services even in censored countries. In this guide, we will explore the world of official onion sites, including how to access them, their benefits, and why they are a more secure option than traditional mirrors.

The Addresses Worth Bookmarking

The following are some official onion sites that you can bookmark for future use:

• Facebook: facebookcorewwwi.onion - full site, not a mirror of pages.
• BBC News: bbcnewsv2vjtpsuy.onion - the international service, built exactly for blocked countries.
• DuckDuckGo: the search engine's onion address is published on their own site.
• New York Times, ProtonMail, Deutsche Welle: all run official onion services.

It's essential to note that you should only use onion addresses that are officially published by the operators themselves or verified by trusted sources like this site [2].

How to Find Official Onion Addresses

To find the official onion address of a particular service, you can check the operator's clearnet page or announcement. For example, Facebook's onion address is mentioned in their security notes [1]. You can also check the Tor Project's website for a list of featured onionsites [2]. Remember to always verify the address before trusting it, as the list of official onion sites may change over time.

How to Open an Official Onion Site

To access an official onion site, follow these steps:

1. Install Tor Browser (the only mainstream way to reach .onion addresses).
2. Paste the .onion address into the address bar.
3. Bookmark it - inside Tor these often load faster than the clearnet site.

Using Tor Browser is the most secure way to access onion sites, as it provides end-to-end encryption and protects your identity [3].

Why Operators Bother with Onion Sites

For operators, creating an onion site is a way to reach users in censored countries without having to fight every censor. The BBC and Facebook built their onion sites precisely because their clearnet sites are blocked in multiple countries [2]. By providing an onion site, operators can ensure that their services remain accessible to users who need them, while also maintaining the security and integrity of their platform.

Why Only Official Addresses Count

Fake mirror domains are a significant threat in the world of online censorship, as they can steal logins and spread malware [2]. These fake sites often look like the real thing, but they are operated by strangers who may have malicious intentions. The only way to avoid these risks is to use official onion addresses that are verified by the operators themselves or trusted sources like this site. By doing so, you can ensure that you are accessing the genuine service, without putting your personal data at risk.

Benefits of Official Onion Sites

Official onion sites offer several benefits, including:

• Security: Onion sites provide end-to-end encryption, making it difficult for third parties to intercept your data [2].
• Privacy: By using Tor, you can protect your identity and maintain your anonymity [3].
• Accessibility: Official onion sites can be accessed even in censored countries, providing a way to bypass restrictions [2].
• Integrity: Official onion sites are operated by the same companies that run the clearnet versions, ensuring that the service remains intact and secure.

Platform Differences

While the process of accessing official onion sites is similar across different platforms, there are some differences to note. For example, on Android devices, you can use the Tor Browser app to access onion sites [3]. On desktop devices, you can use the Tor Browser software to access onion sites. Additionally, some operators may provide different onion addresses for different platforms or regions, so it's essential to check the official announcement or clearnet page for the correct address.

Failure Modes

When accessing official onion sites, there are some potential failure modes to be aware of. For example, if the onion site is down or not responding, you may need to try again later or check the operator's clearnet page for updates [2]. Additionally, if you are using a VPN or other proxy service, it may interfere with your ability to access onion sites, so it's essential to configure your settings correctly [3]. By being aware of these potential issues, you can troubleshoot and resolve any problems that may arise.

Conclusion

Official onion sites offer a secure and private way to access your favorite services, even in censored countries. By using Tor Browser and verifying the onion addresses, you can ensure that you are accessing the genuine service, without putting your personal data at risk. Remember to always use official onion addresses and to be aware of the potential failure modes, so you can troubleshoot and resolve any issues that may arise. For more information on how to unblock any website, you can check our guides page.

You can also learn more about the Tor Project and their mission to advance human rights and freedoms by creating and deploying free and open source anonymity and privacy technologies [2]. Additionally, you can check their download page to get the latest version of Tor Browser.