Search engines like Google recognize more than 3 trillion pages on the World Wide Web, but there is still information on the web that is not accessible to mainstream search engines. Most of it is in the form of databases of information that must be searched directly from certain websites. More famously (or worse) yet, a pocket deep on the web is filled by a highly secretive community, who have come together to avoid identification from the authorities.
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Method 1 of 2: Performing a Database Search on the Deep Web
Step 1. Find databases with a regular search engine
You can use a general search engine to find "wildlife database", "hip hop database" or similar terms. Since the information in these databases can only be accessed by typing a search term, not by following a link, most search engine bots cannot find it, making the information part of the "deep web". However, the search engine can still redirect you to the home page of the website, where you can use the search bar to make a more specific query.
Examples that are free or partially free include Science.gov, FreeLunch for economic data
Step 2. Use a search that is more specific to databases
Sites such as The Internet Public Library, DirectSearch and Infomine have a collection of links to high-quality databases and other sources of information. You can also visit searchengineguide.com to find a search engine devoted to finding databases and information on a specific topic only.
Step 3. Conduct research using a computer in an academic library
Libraries, especially those in colleges or universities, often subscribe to a large number of paid databases, which contain information that cannot be found on traditional search engines. Ask the librarian which database they provide. You may even be able to access these databases using your library card information, but this depends on each library and the database owner.
Step 4. Browse to the Internet Archive
The Internet Archive project attempts to collect digital information to maintain it in the long term. Browse its vast collection to find archives of disappeared websites, hard-to-find video and audio clips and even online copies of early generation video game systems.
Method 2 of 2: Doing a Search on the Tor Network
Step 1. Understand the Tor network
This part of the deep web, sometimes called the Dark Net, is used for trading, conversations and information that users want to keep private. Visitors must use a software called Tor to access this area of the web, visiting websites with the ".onion" domain. While much of the activity is illegal or classified as grayscale, it is also an area used by journalists to talk to anonymous sources and by people interested in the very private concept of the internet.
Accessing areas of the deep web is legal, although it may not apply to your activities there
Step 2. Download Tor Browser
Tor is a free service that allows you to connect to web pages anonymously, making it very difficult for anyone to track your internet activity, if you follow the right precautions. Many deep web communities are only accessible through the Tor net, because they were founded on anonymity, privacy and confidentiality. Download Tor Browser here to start accessing this network.
- Web pages on the Tor network tend to be unreliable, often not showing for hours, days or permanently. They can also be slow to load, as Tor reroutes your connection through someone else's computer to maintain your anonymity.
- Although the Tor browser is available for both Android and iOS, they are considered unsafe and are not recommended. Similarly, Tor add-ons for other browsers are considered insecure and are usually not supported by the Tor organization.
Step 3. Protect your anonymity
Accessing the Tor deep web network is legal, but many people take advantage of its anonymity to carry out illegal activities. As a precaution, the following steps are highly recommended to avoid malicious attacks or tracking by law enforcement agencies:
- Click the "S" logo to the left of the Tor browser's address bar and click "Forbid scripts globally".
- Turn on your Windows or Mac firewall.
- Cover your computer camera with tape.
- Never download any file from a Tor web page, even a.pdf or.doc file. Torrent sharing is very insecure.
Step 4. Start with an introduction to a deep web
One of the most popular sites in the deep web community is The Hidden Wiki, which collects deep web links for you to explore. If you can't access this URL in the Tor browser, try this or this alternative version. You can also ask the "surface web" community for up-to-date instructions and suggestions. Try posting on the /r/deepweb, /r/onions, or /r/Tor subreddits.
Most of the deep web links in this section can only be accessed through Tor, not through a normal browser
Step 5. Use a deep web search engine
The deep web is made to be difficult to navigate and maintain, so these search engines may not be as effective as when you use the regular internet. To find different results, try using several of them for each search, such as Torch, TorSearch and Ahmia.
If you are looking for a well-known deep website, even major search engines like Google can often find a link
Step 6. Use a dedicated deep web service
While the deep web is notorious for its illegal activity, there are also legitimate sites. Some of them are available based on custom concepts, such as for sharing images. Others are more oriented towards a unique deep web culture, such as secret disclosure sites and eBook Collections that focus on subversive acts.
Step 7. Speak to the web host
The deep web is constantly losing key websites, partly because of cracking down on illegal activity and partly because many websites are run by individuals or small teams without tagging available. To find out the latest changes or hot spots, talk to people using OnionChat.
