Tor2web

Tor2web is a software proxy that allows users to access Onion Services (formerly known as "hidden services") on the Tor network from a standard web browser without using the Tor Browser. It acts as a bridge between the regular internet and the Tor network.

Functionality:

Tor2web operates by acting as a gateway. When a user attempts to access an Onion Service through a Tor2web proxy, the proxy forwards the request to the Tor network. The Tor network then routes the request to the designated Onion Service. The Onion Service's response is sent back through the Tor network to the Tor2web proxy, which then delivers the content to the user's web browser.

URL Format:

To access an Onion Service using Tor2web, the .onion address is typically modified by appending a Tor2web domain (e.g., .onion.link, .onion.pet) to the end of the address. For example, example.onion would become example.onion.link. The specific Tor2web domain used depends on which Tor2web instance the user is utilizing.

Security Considerations:

Using Tor2web introduces potential security risks compared to accessing Onion Services directly through the Tor Browser. Because the connection between the user's browser and the Tor2web proxy is not end-to-end encrypted through the Tor network, the user's IP address may be visible to the Tor2web proxy operator. Additionally, the Tor2web proxy may be subject to monitoring or censorship. Furthermore, JavaScript can potentially deanonymize users when used through Tor2web. For maximum security and anonymity, using the Tor Browser is the recommended method for accessing Onion Services.

Alternatives:

While Tor2web offers a convenient way to access Onion Services, other alternatives include dedicated Onion Browser apps for mobile devices and services that provide direct access to the Tor network.

Use Cases:

Tor2web is often used in situations where installing or using the Tor Browser is not feasible, such as on restricted networks or mobile devices with limited capabilities. It can also be used to provide access to Onion Services to users who are not familiar with the Tor network.