A new Tor hidden service allows the site to be accessed directly through the anonymity network, using an .onion address that exists only within Tor. The service operates without traditional web infrastructure: no domain name system, no public IP address, and no certificate authority. Instead, the address is generated from a public key, and all traffic is encrypted end-to-end by the Tor network. This setup enhances privacy for both the publisher and the visitor, as neither party's identity or location is exposed.

The Tor Project, a nonprofit organization focused on digital rights and censorship resistance, developed this system to support free expression and protect users from surveillance. The network relies on volunteer relays to route traffic through multiple encrypted layers, ensuring no single point can link activity to an individual. Hidden services further extend this anonymity by hiding the server's location entirely.

To configure a hidden service, administrators must set up a dedicated directory within Tor's configuration to store the service's private key and hostname. This directory must be owned by the Tor user and restricted to prevent unauthorized access. Once configured, the service forwards traffic from the .onion address to a local port where the web server operates. The web server itself does not need to handle encryption or TLS, as Tor provides that layer.

Publishing content on Tor requires adjustments to ensure links and assets reference the .onion address rather than the clearnet domain. Static site generators can be configured to build a separate version of the site using the onion address as the base URL. This ensures that internal links do not inadvertently direct users back to the public website. Automated deployment pipelines can handle this process, generating and deploying both clearnet and Tor versions independently.

The site becomes accessible at the generated .onion address, which users can visit using the Tor Browser. This method of hosting emphasizes resilience against censorship and surveillance, offering a pathway for content to remain available even under restrictive conditions. Support for the Tor Project through donations or running a relay helps sustain the network that enables this functionality for millions of users worldwide.