What Is Not Evil
Not Evil operates as a decentralized search engine built for Tor. It indexes onion sites and allows users to search across the hidden network without relying on a single centralized server. The project has existed for years and maintains a reputation for indexing legitimate content alongside forums, marketplaces, and information archives. Unlike Google or DuckDuckGo, Not Evil does not track users or log search queries. The search results often include sites that would never appear on the surface web, making it useful for researchers, journalists, and privacy-focused users seeking specific onion resources.
How to Access Not Evil Safely
To access Not Evil, you need Tor Browser installed on your device. Download Tor Browser from the official Tor Project website, install it, and launch the application. Once connected to the Tor network, navigate to the Not Evil onion address. For current working addresses, check the Verified Market page on this site, as onion addresses can change. Use a VPN before connecting to Tor for an additional layer of anonymity, though this is optional. Never maximize your browser window, as this can reveal your screen resolution to websites. Disable JavaScript in Tor Browser settings to reduce attack surface. Keep your operating system and all software updated.
What Not Evil Indexes
Not Evil indexes a broad range of onion sites, from privacy-focused forums and news archives to marketplaces and discussion boards. Search results include legitimate resources like libraries, whistleblowing platforms, and privacy tools alongside less regulated content. The search engine does not curate results by legality, meaning you may encounter links to illegal marketplaces or restricted content. Use search filters and read descriptions carefully before clicking. Not all indexed sites remain active, so some links may lead to dead pages or sites under maintenance. The search index updates periodically, so recent onion sites may not appear immediately in results.
Comparing Not Evil to Other Deep Web Search Engines
Several search engines serve the Tor network, each with different indexing approaches. Not Evil focuses on broad indexing without heavy curation. Other engines like Torch and Ahmia offer different interfaces and result rankings. Torch has been around longer but indexes fewer sites. Ahmia emphasizes legitimate content and filters out known illegal marketplaces. DuckDuckGo, accessible via Tor, searches the surface web but includes some onion results. No single search engine indexes the entire Tor network. Most users combine multiple search engines to find specific resources. Not Evil remains popular because it returns results quickly and indexes a large volume of onion sites without aggressive filtering.
Security and Anonymity Considerations
Using Not Evil does not guarantee anonymity on its own. Always run Tor Browser through a VPN connection for best results, though this adds latency. Never click links without reading the URL carefully, as malicious sites can mimic legitimate onion addresses. Disable plugins and extensions in Tor Browser before searching. Do not open PDFs or documents directly in Tor Browser without downloading them first, as this can leak your IP address. Avoid searching for highly specific personal information, as this can deanonymize you. Do not maximize your browser window or adjust display settings that could reveal device information. Use HTTPS-only mode when available on destination sites. Be aware that some onion sites host malware or phishing content designed to compromise users.
Common Mistakes When Using Not Evil
Beginners often click links without verifying the destination URL, leading to phishing or malware sites. Avoid downloading files from untrusted sources without scanning them first. Do not assume all indexed sites are safe or legitimate. Many users forget to disable JavaScript, which can compromise anonymity. Searching for extremely specific information can create a unique fingerprint that identifies you across sessions. Do not use the same username or email across multiple onion sites. Avoid logging into personal accounts while using Tor, as this defeats anonymity. Do not trust site certificates blindly, as self-signed certificates are common on onion sites. Never enable plugins like Flash or Java in Tor Browser.
Practical Search Tips
Use specific keywords rather than broad terms to narrow results. Search for onion site categories like 'forums,' 'libraries,' or 'news' to find relevant communities. Check multiple search engines if Not Evil returns few results for your query. Read site descriptions and user comments before visiting unfamiliar addresses. Use the site's filtering options if available to exclude certain content types. Bookmark working onion addresses in a secure location, as sites move or go offline frequently. Search for archived versions of sites using onion archive services. Join Tor-focused communities on Reddit or forums to get recommendations for active, verified resources. Keep a list of working addresses separate from your browsing history.
Frequently asked questions
Is Not Evil legal to use?
Yes, using Not Evil is legal in most countries. The search engine itself is a neutral tool. However, accessing illegal content through search results may violate local laws. The legality depends on what you search for and access, not the search engine itself.
Can I access Not Evil without Tor Browser?
No. Not Evil operates only on the Tor network and is accessible exclusively through .onion addresses. You must use Tor Browser or another Tor client to connect. Standard web browsers cannot access onion sites.
Does Not Evil log my searches?
Not Evil does not log searches by design. However, your ISP can see you are connecting to Tor. Using a VPN before Tor adds another layer of privacy. Always assume your Tor exit node operator could theoretically see unencrypted traffic.
How often does Not Evil update its index?
Not Evil updates its index periodically, but the exact schedule is not publicly documented. Some onion sites are indexed within days of going live, while others take weeks. Inactive sites remain in the index until manually removed.
What should I do if a Not Evil link is broken?
Onion sites go offline frequently due to maintenance, takedowns, or voluntary closure. If a link is dead, try searching for the site name directly or check community forums for updated addresses. Never assume a broken link indicates a scam.
