I’ve seen a lot of people on the internet debating whether adding a VPN to their Tor browser is necessary for safety on the dark web and for staying anonymous. Tor already provides a robust layer of privacy, but some users believe combining it with a VPN will make them even harder to trace. There are many different opinions on this—some say it’s unnecessary, while others suggest it might actually attract unwanted attention. In this blog, I’ll give you my opinion. You are free to disagree, and you can also correct me or provide your own insights in the comments below.
Now, let's talk about how Tor and VPNs work, what each one offers, and why adding a VPN might not be beneficial for everyone.
Tor is a network that hides your IP address by routing your internet traffic through multiple "hops"—each layer adding its own encryption. This creates a strong shield of privacy, making it almost impossible for anyone to trace your activity. Even if someone monitors one of these stops, they’ll only see a small part of your data, not the full picture. Originally developed by the U.S. Navy, Tor is now popular among journalists, activists, and everyday users who value privacy.How VPNs Work
A VPN also hides your IP address by rerouting your data through a private server that changes your IP and encrypts your connection. While VPNs offer a decent level of privacy, they don’t achieve the same level of anonymity as Tor. Since most VPNs are centralized and often log user data, they could, under pressure, provide information to law enforcement if required, which could reveal your identity.
Why Some People Combine a VPN with Tor
One reason people add a VPN is to mask their use of Tor from their internet service provider (ISP). ISPs can detect Tor traffic, even though they can’t see what you’re doing on it. In some countries, using Tor is monitored or restricted, making this layer of disguise potentially useful. Tor itself has options, like “obfuscated bridges,” to help hide Tor traffic in these locations. While a VPN may add another layer of privacy, it’s important to remember that in heavily censored countries, only government-approved VPNs are allowed, which may not offer full privacy.
Some people think that using a VPN will shield dark web users from law enforcement. However, many dark web cases show that it’s not the tools but mistakes in other areas that often lead to arrests. Ross Ulbricht, who created Silk Road, a massive illegal marketplace on the dark web, wasn’t caught because of a Tor vulnerability but rather due to personal errors. At one point, he posted on a public forum using his real email address, which investigators later linked to Silk Road, leading to his arrest and life sentence.Using the same email or accounts across both dark web and regular web activities is a huge risk, as it creates a trail that law enforcement can trace. Agencies like the FBI often focus on VPN traffic leading into Tor, as this can appear more suspicious. They can monitor VPN servers, ISPs, and Tor nodes. If necessary, they can also request your user information from your VPN provider.
For many people, using Tor directly without connecting to a VPN is actually safer because it helps them blend in with the large volume of Tor traffic. Millions of people use Tor daily, so the traffic tends to look uniform. However, using a VPN can make your connection stand out more, which could make you look suspicious and draw attention from the authorities.
If you’re looking for extra privacy, some VPNs offer anonymous payment options, like cryptocurrency, and don’t require an email for account creation. VPNs like Mullvad allow users to pay anonymously and avoid account linking to personal information. But even with these precautions, using a VPN with Tor can still make your traffic more noticeable than using Tor alone.
If you’re passionate about Tor’s privacy mission, you could consider running a Tor relay instead of using a VPN. Running a relay helps improve the Tor network, supporting privacy for everyone who uses it. Every additional relay strengthens the network, making it even harder for anyone to trace activity across the system.
When you are using the dark web, remember to approach it responsibly. For most people, connecting directly to Tor provides solid privacy without the use of a VPN. Adding a VPN may seem appealing but often adds little to your security and might even make your traffic stand out and make you look really suspicious. Tor alone offers reliable privacy, so a VPN is usually unnecessary unless you have your own specific reason.
Disclaimer: This blog does not endorse or promote any illegal activities. The content here is intended for people who want privacy and wish to protect their personal data from unwanted surveillance. Engaging in illegal activities on the dark web can still be detected. Law enforcement agencies have tools and techniques which might be used to track you, such as monitoring exit nodes or tracing patterns in online behavior, which can expose illegal activity even on the dark web.
The Dark Web Can Be Used for Good Purposes
- Privacy & Freedom of Speech: Journalists and activists can use it to communicate securely in regions which are heavily censored.
- Whistleblowing Platforms: Sites like SecureDrop allow whistleblowers to share information safely with media outlets.
- Data Protection Services: Many people access the dark web to protect sensitive information.
- Cyber Threat Monitoring: Security companies can use it to track cyber threats.
By connecting directly to Tor, most users can enjoy reliable privacy for personal and ethical uses, supporting a safer online experience.